And, yes, the system Peter and Matt propound is the only *sensible* one... But people being people, I'd say it's the ones who *don't* get caught up in the excitement that aren't human.

On the gripping hand, though, if I understand the incremental "up-to-my-max" bid system correctly, then I'd think that does pretty much exactly what "sniping software" does, so I don't get the need for that.

On the hind foot, BTW, I wonder if those REALLY big players you (don't!) see at REALLY big auctions -- van Goghs going for 60 mill at Sotheby's, that sort of thing -- leave their bids over the phone not JUST to remain anonymous, but also partly precisely in order to insulate themselves from the auction excitement (having the auction clerks doing the job of e-Bay's incremental-bid software for them).

Oh yeah, almost forgot: ObFuck off and die, asshole!