Your first idea about refunding listing fee's if the items sells I don't believe would work. Namely because eBay would just add that fee onto the back end and let's face it, most things do sell.

Your second idea needs a change. The five minute rule would be fine for people that have already bid on the item. Don't allow people to bid that have not bid on the item before the close. For the most part, I am against your idea. I understand that you are trying to prevent "sniping" but I don't think this is the answer. I don't understand what the issue is about sniping? People should bid the max they are willing to pay irregardless of when they place their bids.

Thank you for your thoughts. I hope that you will understand mine.