While I don't use reserves, I also don't bother with auctions that are fishing expeditions for values.

Example. You have a work of art. You think it might be worth $500, so you list it on eBay for $49 and put a $2000 reserve on it. No one wil win, but you'll know the market value.

I've seen many auctions for other things that have a reserve and also list the reserve in the text of the auction.

It makes sense and in real auctions, the reserve is listed in advance in the catalog.

Secret reserves? I don't know any reason why they make sense.