And less people means less bidding, I agree, so moving the date can be good.
However, in the past Jim would start a chip bid at a price (maybe $150) he felt as though
it should start, and there was NO bidding. He would some times go down to $10 or maybe $20 and then EVERYONE would bid and it would quickly return where he started to, and Jim would say
" this is where it should have started !" and he was right.
Obviously, this is time consuming, and makes the night go longer, and other issues arise....
BUT it got the bidding started! and the chip sold where as it would NOT if the minimum was higher.
I respect Davids rules as he is taking on the responsibility but, being a big auction fan, I observe a lot
(good pun?) and this is something that can make a difference. Also, Davids idea of lowering the starting price sometimes if it did not sell was good and would like to see that continue. W
When chips SELL, everyone wins!
I hope I'm explaining this right.