[dougscats]

I do usually snipe for just that reason.

But there are good reasons not to snipe as well:
For one, I love the action of a live auction--
If it's a big bid, it can be downright awesome--
I think it's much more fun to actively bid than snipe.

Sniping can also be time-consuming, particularly in figuring out a maximum bid. And sometimes I just don't have the time.
More often I fall asleep or just forget.

But there is no doubt that sniping is most reliable.
I once nodded out at the switch with three seconds left.