[atul]

I assume Zeldor here is operating on a basis of good faith, which is reasonable considering we're all mature adults here...

...I think.

Anyway, the reason of diplomacy and an arbiter is to beat the living pulp out of anyone abusing the system. I wouldn't want to play with mechanics based on thesis that my fellow players are underhanded cheaters, so lets not try to game the system too badly.

Bidding system has its good sides, but is work intensive. And looking at current situation at stock markets, has its bad sides too.