Seriously, I would really like to know why there's so much emphasis on feedback as though it's part of the transaction.

This is how ebay defines feedback............ their words not mine

check the links.

http://pages.ebay.com.au/help/feedback/questions/feedback.html

Feedback is made up of comments and ratings left by other eBay members you've bought from and sold to. These comments and ratings are valuable indicators of your reputation as a buyer or seller on eBay.

http://pages.ebay.com.au/help/feedback/howitworks.htmlhttp://pages.ebay.com.au/help/policies/feedback-terms.html

Always leave Feedback after a transaction so that other members may benefit from your experience.

Whenever you buy or sell something, we ask that you leave Feedback about the transaction that reflects your experience with the buyer or seller. At the same time, we ask your trading partner to leave Feedback about you as well.

Over time, eBay memebers develop a Feedback Profile, or reputation, based on the comments and ratings left by other members. The Feedback score is one of the most important pieces of a Feedback Profile. It’s the number in parentheses next to a member’s user ID and it’s also located at the top of the member’s Feedback Profile.

Why leave Feedback?

Leaving honest comments gives members a good idea of what to expect when dealing with other members.

Leaving Feedback is also a way to express your appreciation for a job well done.

Finally, if you are a buyer, you can help spread the word about a seller you like, and if you are a seller, you can help recognise and reward loyal customers, which encourages them to buy from you again.

http://pages.ebay.com.au/help/policies/feedback-terms.html

Why does eBay have this policy?

Feedback is the foundation of trust on eBay. Having terms and conditions that dissuade an individual from leaving feedback undermines the integrity of the feedback system and decreases trust within the eBay marketplace.

end quotes

Q.So, can anybody else see why ebay members care about feedback???

A.because ebays information and advice steers them too

Has anybody got any ideas how ebays terms and conditions dissuading/disallowing sellers in some situations to leave what they consider is an appropriate appraisal of the trade does not undermine the integrity of the marketplace????