There are two types of auctions. One is where your bid amount is what you pay and one where the sales price is a set amount over a second value confirming bid. You are stuck on the former and many only bid with the value protection offered by a second LEGITIMATE bidder. A shill bidder turns the auction back into the former. The harm is the difference which makes the second type of auction more popular.
Heritage can't afford to not correct this situation, with a full explanation and apology, as they did. I'm happy that your happy with the resolution.
