billyd,
I bought a few sets to make the minimum order when I was restoring a Yo and currently have a set for sale on Ebay. I've sold two previous sets...both went to foriegn countries where the buyer was unwilling to pay the minimum dollar amount required to ship overseas from the retailer. It was actually cheaper for them to buy one set for 20.00 from me than to buy direct from the suppliers.
So...is this auction a rip off as you indicate? I would suggest it is not for those that find it financially less of an impact.
Just another perspective that you may not have considered.
cheers,
rody