I agree that it can be a bit much (and they will 
do NOTHING to shill bidders, fraud sellers, boot-
leg sellers, etc.). However, I can see where this
rule is useful for those stupid "empty auctions"
that do nothing *BUT* advertise a site or a 
service. Talk about moronic: "This isn't a real
auction, but I have lots of [cels, etc.] on my 
site! Come take a look! Don't bid on this auction
or you won't get anything from me!"  Or something 
equally stupid IMNSHO "I'll paint anything you 
want! Come to this site! Don't bid! Blah blah 
blah!" Ugh. Empty auctions are just as irritating
as those fraudulent aucs. :)  I understand your 
frustration, though, as a legitimate seller. eBay
seems to want all sales to go through them (ha ha
ha).