I wonder if AS’ Searches are a “Damned if you do and damned if you don’t”? Good news: the Searches might encourage new customers, and if AS pulled them, that might make some longtime customers get sore. Bad news: the Searches might lose some paying sniping customers because the customers get sore about the Searches not always working.
I understand the intent of the Searches is to generate more sniping activity, thus increasing AS’ revenue. But, it seems hard to justify R & D on something that generates indirect revenue (Searches) over something that generates direct revenue (Sniping). I suppose AS could charge for Searches, but I also suppose that would cause some backlash.
It appears that for less complicated searches, users seem pleased. Perhaps the standard advise to new users should be extended: “Use x lead time (depending on when); decide the highest amount you are willing to spend; turn off Instamail; AND avoid complex searches.”