I too will await with great interest eBay's response to the problem.
My guess is that it will be something in the form of.....

eBay cannot force a seller to honor their auctions. You should, of course. leave appropiate feedback for the reluctant seller to warn other bidders of his or her past history. (but you can expect the same feedback in return so........)
We will, (eBay) at your request, also inquire directly to the seller for an explanation as well.

Ok, so that was a direct quote from eBay. What they will not do is take the side of either the buyer or seller.

If I recall correctly did not the high bidder state that they really did not expect to win the chip anyway? I know.........it's now about the principal of the thing deal, but it also fits the 'spilt milk'/'water under the bridge' syndrome.

We buy and sell on eBay, so I see it from both sides. Sometimes we win, sometimes we loose, no big deal. In fact, it's exactly like gambling!
We don't sell on eBay for a living nor do we gamble for our income. We mearly
dabble in both for a means of entertainment. I seriously doubt that anyone here would even think twice about dropping a $50.00 bill into a slot and losing most, if not all of it. However, if someone wants $2.00 for shipping all hell breaks loose!

It's really quite simple..........
Don't like the rules?
Don't play the game!

You may reach down and pet someones dog once and get bit.
Next time you ask FIRST!

Life is full of little lessons........but they are not all without cost.

Just look at all of those stupid gamblers dropping bucks on the Big 6 Wheel.......