I agree with you that the leaving of negative feedback is a concern, but it saddens me, and cheapens the system when that has to be a concern. Joe Blow, may suck as a seller or buyer or both, but has a decent feedback because nobody wants to badmouth the guy for fear of reciprocity.

Just my honest gripe. I know it isn't your fault, and what you advise is certainly reasonable, just unfortunate that situation exists. Another weakness in the ebay world.