Just a note to the original OP's post. But i'm sure any of those that follow the UK scene are well aware of the shorter .UK release bringing a deluge of bids on Domainlore. The sensible thing that DL instigated was verifiable and paid for email addresses due to many domain listings being hyped by the original owner to get the domain on to the front page (and then of course just being a non-payer) The shill- bidding is from a long time ago and has nothing to do with the current UK bidding.
I've been fascinated to watch some of the bidding. I'm sure some are getting carried away with themselves (not the established members) On a normal week/month some of these wouldn't even attract the £50 minimum bid.
You know when your high-offer/bid (received) is possibly in jeopardy when it's named 'BUYER 1 or BUYER 2 making all the bids