"b) some of us (such as myself) prefer to keep our handles private for a number of reasons.
I have a personal policy of not bidding against friends whose usernames I know; if I see they've bid earlier than I, then I'll just let the auction pass. "

That's good to know...My id is easy to recognize: "terryshaffer"

Now if I can just talk every other chipper into following your policy, I might win a few more auctions!!