I suspect that this response is a canned one, one that was written many moons ago, so the "last month" and "recently" references are actually quite dated. If someone else here e-mails him in six months, he will likely receive the same response. That is why Rick located the negative feedback, which was given long after the canned response was written.
Jab's story about irrational bidders bidding the auction up to $28, while the same item was still available with a BIN at $24.95 simply demonstrates to me the ludicrous nature of some bidders, though in all fairness, many of them are newbies who simply do not understand how eBay bidding works. In any event, that is part of why I still snipe on every auction--you never know what will happen.
Part of the basis for my strong stance, I believe, comes from my desire to acquire certain items. My price is probably higher than many people would be willing to pay, but I revel in adding the widget to my beloved collection, rathering than gloating over the price.
but I would love to see what your email to him said, whether you played dumb about sniping or acted anti-sniping.
Some people left him Neutrals and he fired back with caustic neg.FBs. I'd consider doing the same as you thought, but decided I'd prefer to have nothing to do with the guy.
1 hour later he emailed me and apologised as the "stress" of the silly season was getting to him and he thought I was one of his competition trying to make trouble.
PayPal me 10 bucks and I'll start working on it right away! 
