The Second Chance Offer allows a seller to offer item to 2nd bidder if high bidder backs out, or if you have more than the one like item.

However you have to pay the fees to Ebay if they accept.

If you make note of the 2nd high bidder's email before end of auction you can contact them yourself and avoid the fees. Once the auction closes the other bidders Emails are not displayed.

Ethical??? Probably not....