I've found that most folks who are self-appointed-ebay-craiglist-experts, really don't know jack about either. As always on any action there are different theories. Some maybe good for person A, and not good for person B. But, to say because somebody complains, has less money (like they can see their bank account)blah, blah, blah, just shows PURE IGNORANCE.

Personally, I agree with the OP. I don't see any advantages to early bidding. I think it drives the price up, and alerts other bidders that I am interested, which also will drive the price up. However, others might have different strategies on bidding on Ebay and for them, their stratagy is good for them. If there way is different, I am not going to say they can't afford, don't have money, etc. That comes from blow-hards, that don't know jack period. Fair minded people can understand that different people can have different opinions about the same subject and they all be CORRECT.