I don't have many domains you would actually care about, that you would remotely consider top tier. But if I did, I would be the one writing the contract, and reviewing which vendors wished to service me. Monte would certainly receive a copy of the contract and have an opportunity to apply for the business. If he does not need the business, he will pass. If the domain is top notch, though, maybe he will bite.

I guess it's all in an individual's perception of their lot in life. Either they let others dictate options to them, even when they hold the cards, or they do not. Monte does not own the top tier domain, you do. If he wants that top tier domain to appear in one of his auctions, well.....what do you think he is going to do?