While I agree with both sides, the 15 minute rule is a way to make online auctions, or phone auctions for that matter, more like real life AUCTIONS.

When you bid on something the auctioner doesn't say, I'm not taking any more bids in 10 seconds, 5,4,3,2,1 Sold to the highest of the low bids, at the last second. That's what sniping does. They say going once (a chance to increase your bid) going twice (another chance to increase your bid) going three times (yet another chance to increase your bid) SOLD. Online auctions remove this ability to make a decision.

In real life, when two or more people are bidding, the bidding continues. That's the point.

As for deals, I agree if I'm a bidder, I like eBay because I can get a better value. If I'm a seller, I'd like the 15 minute rule, because I'd get the best price for my sales.

Time limit auctions, hurt the sellers and benefit the buyers.

Meanwhile, I do agree in the end that I bid the most I feel like I'm willing to pay for something. In most instances, there's another one coming along, and another, eventually the price will come down to my limit, or I'll move my valuation up.

Snipe me all you want I'm already at my limit, and sometimes over it!