Call me a moron, but what the heck is "bait and switch"?

As others have said, you're on a messageboard with just a bunch of regular people, no ebay workers visit, or not in years. Not that I know of. So your message won't get through to ebay and they don't welcome suggestions anyway.

I actually agree with you about these variation listings. I have no problem with them at all when they are for exactly the same type of item, for example, an item of clothing that comes in different colours or sizes.

I don't even have a real problem with variation listings when they are for eg a different style of item. For example, I once looked at christening gowns and there was a choice of about 4 designs at different prices. These sorts of listings though can be annoying as I think most buyers skim through title & opening photo and move on if they don't like a particular style. They may not realise there are other styles available in this ad unless the title makes it clear.

The ones though that I think should be banned are the type where you have an ad that says in the title eg food processor and a price of $20. But when you open the ad, the food processor is $200 and the $20 is for-I don't know-maybe a food processor cover or spare blade or whatever.

To me, the title should match the items in the drop down menu. If such a seller wishes to sell the cover or spare blade, they should be separate ads. They could be under 'accesories and spare parts for x brand food processor'.

I understand your example about new car ads. Yes, often the lowest advertised price will be a basic car, maybe a manual. But I've never, for example, seen an ad that says eg New mazda model xyz now available starting from $50, where the $50 turns out to be car mats. I don't think that would fly in TV ads.

However, although the price point in the ebay ads can be a disappointment once you check, you can see it clearly enough and I am not sure why your kids are not getting what they expected. If they were sent the wrong item, they should make an ebay claim.

 And I have always been proud to advertise genuine items, genuine pricing, and item descriptions.

Then be honest - photos of both. 

7.5 - 8.5 - on whose scale. lol

I'm confused you say your teens have being gotten by these people,  yet all your feedback left for others reflects a positive experience.  Unless of course they are using a different account.

Now I also guess considering after 20 years experience, you have worked it out,  why arent you teaching your teens to look out for it.

I guess you havent taught them about all the scammers who ring on the phone asking for their bank details, etc.

Teach your teens, 

Just a PS.  The ad you are currently running could be considered a little dodgy, only picturing one chair, out of 4 if your quantity is correct.  Hmmm

They are called  multi variation listings.  Nothing to do with  bait and switch.

If you note, under the item condition, there is an Item Field with a drop down menu, which enables you to choose the item you wish to purchase.

These listings have been around for years, nothing new and do not breach any ebay policys.

Note, I don't offer variation listings and I don't even know if I have bought from one, but if I have I must have received the right item.  So while some have issues with these listings, I don't.    As far as them posing any risk to ebays prosperity,viability or integrity, if that was the case I am sure ebay would have acted long, long ago.

For mine, drop shipping is a far bigger issue, and ebay has taken significant steps to limit drop shipping.

No longer can you simply just decide to drop ship, and must now meet certain criteria and adhere to specific policy requirements.

You are not interacting with ebay.     This is a member to member forum.

Ebay neither reads nor responds to these forums.

It's called a Variation Listing.   Not 'Bait and Switch'

Creating listings with variations | eBay

And if your children are receiving items that are not as described, then they should open a case for Item not as Described and get a full refund.

Returns, items not received and refunds for buyers | eBay

edit: note to self - type faster - Sandy beat me to it.

eBay do not read the member to member forum

eBay is ALL about the buyer

Read the listing properly

check the seller's feedback before buying

Open the appropriate dispute within the time limit and follow through with it

With 20 years experience, why are you not not teaching your 'teen children' these most basic things?

Surely you know simple rules/policies/procedures

Buyers are not 'victims' unless they allow themselves to be

Everything you complain about above is 100% avoidable and takes less time to avoid than it would posting your complaints directed at eBay someone not a soul from eBay will ever see

The link you gave is a listing for rubbish, from a  seller in China whose feedback is also rubbish

Why would anyone want to buy from them in the first place?

Plenty of red flags not to buy from them right there on the page