I think an auction should be just that, an auction. Not "Oh I see my friend bidding, I'll back off." If I want a chip I will bid what I am willing to pay for a chip. If I win great, if not, I don't get upset. I should have bid more if I really wanted it. People taking it easy on one another is dumb imho. I don't care who you are. I, as many on this board, play poker. If I am playing with a friend or people I know I never play soft. Playing soft is bad for the game, both in poker and eBay auctions.