I use it from time to time, on low $$ items. Not because I want to get in with just seconds to go but because I dont want to bid as soon as I see an item and then miss the ending/miss being outbid when the auction ends at 5 oclock am my time as they often do.

I know others here use the software regularly for everything. There are mixed views on whether its 'ethical' or not and what effect it has on auction prices. Personally I have no problem with it. If I walk into a live auction room willing to pay $10k for an item starting at $1 I am not going to be the first person to put their hand up.

I would only bid first if the start price was close to my max. In this case I would probably place my bid on ebay early and be done with it.