Okay...we all know what is happening with respect to the auction vs bidding vs closeout process where no one can get a name once it has no bids (unofficially that is) due to huggy having access to the auction closeout process (I and several others used several computers over a period of time to test different methods of bidding).
Explained well here:
https://www.namepros.com/threads/huge-domains-sniping-godaddy-closeouts.1135689/page-23#post-7637159
There is a mathematical ratio (algorithms if you prefer) to the buying/bidding process and it has been bugging me for a while. It seems the highest bid amount reached, once someone other than huggy started/triggered bidding, has a cap based on a value determined within their system (I don't believe there is any human oversight until/unless a certain level of bidding is reached). Tons of data out there and it is not that hard based on prior auction closings what the range is for 'ordinary' names.
So (still crunching data so still speculating alot) it is clear there is some advantage, either provided within the auction process or there is a server, operating a really well built program, doing the bidding within immediate proximity to the auction origination (server proximity is the only answer if a 'x' second lead time is not being allowed).
There is a clear point at which the huggy system will bail on bidding unless a human intervenes. I feel the operation is so large and their business model does not require this happen alot. They know that they can pay xx, xxx for a name and get low to mid xxxx for it in time...volume speaks volumes here.
I tested many auctions today (at risk of great expense to myself) to see how/when the ceiling would pop...gladly the only names I broke through on I can move without too much hold time (a couple gems) at a small profit.
It is necessary to make my motives clear here...I am a big fan and also quite jealous of huggy and the empire as far as their portfolio and sales operation works. They are an important part of holding domain name volume which helps keep pricing for all of us higher that it would be. What leaves a bitter, metallic taste in my mouth is that the playing field may not be level...ESPECIALLY when it comes to the period between auction and closeout status.
Much of this info has been mentioned before in this and other threads but had to test it all for myself. Man, my head hurts and my fingers a little numb from the activity...have to read for a while!
ADD/EDIT: I just now started reading from where I from last stopped reading and I see the API information...that would explain the access allowed by a 'volume' buyer. Having dealt with the day trade trick of renting offices by the exchange to trade on percentages, I like the (conspiracy theory) idea of a server stack nearby!
