I think that came about to stop certain A holes pretending to be the original seller and offering a second chance bid to the unsuccessful bidder to now buy the particular item.
They would offer some excuse like "the winning bidder could not pay so now do you want it? If so send the money to this account.........." Never to see your cash again.
I think once bids hit $200 (or is it $250) the bidders become anonymous.
Does not it from happening at cheaper prices though, just that these A holes would have to do it lots more to earn a buck (more like earn a bullet to the head)
Regards Michael