I think I understand what sflayank is trying to say as I've bid this way since auction houses have been online. I don't show my hand by inputting a maximum bid, in any auction, regardless of reputation. If I'm the high bid at $2k, and that's my highest bid, the auction house takes on the risk by outbidding me. They have no idea if I or any other bidder will emerge to top them. I could be willing to pay up to $5k on the item, but if I bid incimentally, on my own and not via an automatic bid, they assume the risk that I may not return to top them if they shill and outbid me.
I have nothing against any auction house, but my perception of each and every one of them is the same - they will do anything to make an extra buck, so don't trust them. Seems that the general perception of Mastro/Legendary has drastically changed over the past few years. Five years ago, no one would have dreamed to question their ethics. Who's to say that in five years time we're not having the same discussions about a currently reputable business. In the end, each bidder has to be comfortable with themselves. Some will bid with a particular auction house, others won't. Some will utilize the maximum bid feature, others (like me) won't. It's not a perfect world, gentlemen. Unfortunately you have to take precautions and look over your shoulder, even if everything appears to be on the up and up.
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