"One more thing: It would sure be nice if Ebay had a direct link to negative feedback so you didn't have to scroll through page after page looking for them! I don't just immediately dismiss sellers with some bad feedback, I like to read the details and it can be a pain, particularly with one of these 'power sellers' with 10,000 feedbacks."

Oh, how I agree with you!! I know it's so time-consuming to keep clicking and clicking till you find the negative ones. Most sellers I've dealt with have been really open and honest if I had a question about an item, shipping costs or even little things like how the item will be packed! I pack things to death when I sell because I want the items to reach the buyer the same as when they left my possession at the post office. We all know how mail handlers handle packages (even ones marked FRAGILE all over the box) and sometimes something like the package reaching the buyer in horrible shape can result in a negative feedback, even though it wasn't the seller's fault how the USPS handled the box in transit.
But being deceptive to the buyer is the worst thing. All of my auctions have everything possible described about the item for sale, down to shipping and insurance costs, the smallest detail never left out.
Just be very, very careful anytime you bid on anything on Ebay. Research the seller's feedback and ALWAYS ask questions before you place any bid. Being cautious and knowledgable is always the best precaution!!