[boxstr]

Not the forum for this but I know the person the K is refering to and the items that he purchased. We both have a passion and it is Porsche and 914s, if he liked Corvettes I probably wouldn't know him.
The seller has no idea who is bidding on something it is a level playing field, when it comes to online auctions. They don't have any idea of your income, your health situation, whether you are black or white, male or female.
They are not holding a gun to your head and forcing you to purchase.
I checked back on the auction and the bid history. The bidder who came in a the end of the auction had no feedback and was inexperienced, it is apparent in the bid pattern. And to start with K your first bid was your maximum bid and that was your limit.
That means you got what you wanted, for the amount you ultimately would spend .
Auctions are not the most frugal arena to purchase any item. If you need parts for your project car you have more than enough comrades who would be willing to help out when called upon.
All you need to do is post the items that you need and you will get more replies than you can count on one hand.
I think you had more than enough chances to spell out your displeasure face to face with the seller when you went to his home to pickup the items and at JPs a few days later. Or you could have emailed him directly and told him how you felt.
He is the last person who would use any manipulation to elevate bids in an auction, to start with I don't think he would know how.
Just my $.02 worth.