“the guy posting it is a long time eBay member with 100% positive feedback and unlikely to be playing any games”
As a buyer, not a seller.
“Plus the bidder on the auction is also a member with a 100% history”
Yes, 100% of this users bids, have been with this seller, for this item.
“and so while it’s easy to throw around anonymous comments on this thread”
It is just as easy to be anonymopus on ebay when you are not actually buying anything.
“it’s something else entirely to bid $9,700.”
not when you know you have zero to lose when you are the seller and bidder, or are in cahoots with the seller and you know you are not on the hook for 97 cents, let alone 9700 dollars.
“That’s putting one’s money where one’s mouth is – or in my opinion smart money.”
Or, in my opinion, a great practical joke.