Hey Steve,

I've been working with eBay auctions pretty much since the beginning (I'm in the biz). If the seller closes the auction early (easy to do - he just needs to use the "error in the listing" reason), he's under no obligation to sell it to you. It's very common practice and all they are out is $45 for the listing fee.

I'm expecting the auction to close any time now (if the other offer is "real" that is). If I were you, I would walk away from this one and forget side-step all the hassle.

My 2 cents - John