For whatever else is going on, don't read too much into the "Make Offer to Owner" button on the Heritage website -- this is a standard program they've had on their site for many years. If you miss an item you really wanted, they have software in place where you can make an offer to buy it from whoever bought it in their auction -- the "profit margin" is pre-programmed (can't remember the percentage), and the buyer is of course free to refuse any offers that he deems too low. This is a part of virtually all Heritage auctions, so it's not part of some grand conspiracy here.
Thanks for the clarification.