Guys like Greg, Jello, Yakov, and many others are picking up some decent names. But, you might not be hearing about it.
I pick up some good mediocre names. And, I play all the possibilities- NW, Snap, Pool, etc. And, BD beats me on a number of great names. But, I am positive that with WLS, BD will continue to beat me.
I keep saying this, the only reason for WLS is for the benefit of Verisign.
One to two years from now. We will still have the same cry "BD beat me again."
As for my motive. I am just like you. I just buy domains for my business use. And, for resale when possible.
I don't create, market or sell any scripts.
I find that most of the people who are complaining fall into a couple groups. One of groups are the ones that do not do any long term research on a name. And, they start chasing it within one to two weeks before it drops. And, they don't understand why they can not get a snap on a name.
Then, another group are the ones that research it. Put a snap on it, way into the future. And, when it drops. Another service got it. They don't realize (or they don't want to accept) that there are a number of options to catch a name.
I had a snap on 2-1.com for months. And, I had the high bid on NW today of $55. I would have prefered that Snap would catch it since it would be cheaper. Bottom line, I covered my bases. And, ended up with the name. (I don't even remember why I wanted the name.)
Anytime there are restrictions on buying something. The price will go up. Besides, Verisign increase in cost. I am sure some of the other services will also raise their prices. Acct maintenance, service charges, increase in transfer fees. I am not sure what will go up. But, they will.
I think WLS will squeeze the small domain buyer/seller out of business. And, I don't want that to happen for my own self protection.
As a group, we give BD, Caymen, and HK a run for their money.
And, I am sure they would like us to go away.
Whatever happens. I am in this for the long run.