[raulus]

Seems like there's a missing middle ground here.

I'm guessing that a big part of the issue is probably just the challenge of being flexible and specific for the AH as it assesses its buyers/bidders, rather than painting with a wide brush. I suspect some recent mandate came down from on high at this AH, possibly because the AH was burned by someone, it cost the AH in reputation and probably lost commission, and now it's time to tighten things up to avoid a similar problem going forward.

Certainly every AH can and should verify that their bidders are capable of honoring their bids. How they go about that process, however, doesn't have to require that they need access to everything about me.

In situations where we have an existing relationship, particularly one where I've been a solid customer for many years, it shouldn't be that difficult for the AH to get comfortable with my credit without the need for additional support. Unless, of course, I'm looking to substantially expand my bidding patterns from 4 figures to 6 figures, in which case the AH has every right to ask for some documentation showing that I can handle that new and substantially elevated level of bidding.

And if I don't like the process from the AH, then I have every right to walk away. As an added bonus, if I'm feeling particularly vexed by the entire situation, then I might just come here and broadcast to the world my utter dissatisfaction with the whole business.