If I am worried that a seller might 'yank' an auction due to inactivity, (especially if they have a counter on the item and the number is really low) I'll just send them a little note (using the "ask seller a question" link) to inquire about some detail on the item; this way they can see there is an interest! Just a suggestion!
"If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning"