clm-mods is clearly the same Austin: The auction he refers to
here
was sold by clm-mods.

Of course, there's no indication he has poor business practices or that anyone has a bone to pick with him, either. Sniping is hardly a unique thing; There are several proxy bid agents that do it. Until people start actually bidding the maximum they're willing to pay when they bid the first time, there's no reason to stop sniping, either. Once everyone starts sniping, it effectively becomes a sealed bid auction, and truthfully I think that would be fine.