When bidding on ebay, have you ever tried eSnipe (
www.esnipe.com)? You set up your maximum bid on esnipe and it will submit your bid seconds before the bidding ends. This way, the price doesn't get jacked up by people putting in offers to top each other. I have successfully bid and won using esnipe. It doesn't cost that much and you only pay if you win the auction. It is legal also.
Gail