If you look at total transactions, the guy/gal is actually running about 1% negative.

I've seen negatives from buyers because they bought the wrong item, the seller took longer than 3 days to deliver it, a NIB item didn't work as expected or a NOS item stopped working after a period of time. I've even seen negatives where buyers actually expected delivery prior to making payment or refused to make payment because they changed their mind.

Is it any wonder most high volume sellers now refuse to leave feedback until it is first left for them?

This isn't to say the sellers are any better and poor communication seems to be an ebay seller trademark... but you just pay your money and take your chances.... or buy at full retail.