Interesting observation. I think there may be different value systems involved as well. My wife buys and sells vintage dolls. These aren't commodities at all yet many people in her demographic believe there is an inherent value to an item that should not be violated. For example, she will list something for no reserve and $1 start and immediately get emails saying will you end the auction and sell it to me for $X (which they point out is more than a fair price). Then - it ends up selling for significantly more than $X and she literally gets hate mail. "How can you be so crass as to take advantage of these people who just don't know what that doll is worth." (I am paraphrasing one of her messages only slightly.)