Folks stopped bidding except on hot items because everyone started listing stuff. While I do remember most things getting bids and being able to put a lot of up and it selling back in 2000, etc., I don't remember necessarily getting such strong prices. Usually a fraction, under half, of guide. Obviously some exceptions. Indeed, from 2000-2002/3 or so, on the buying front. I actually put together a pretty nice collection of GA slabs, some SA keys in slabs too, making sure to never bid more than 50% of overstreet for them. Did I lose tons of auctions? Sure. I bid on a lot of "VF" "NM" SA books without scans or with terrible ones, but making sure never to bid more than OPG G/VG - VG. Most came back in nice shape.