I don't think that happens unless the seller has been dropped to below standard due to having too many defects. With eBay it's either lights on or lights off and simply random luck if something sells. You could be listing the exact same thing all year round and never know if you'll sell 5 items in a given month of 50.

Meanwhile, eBay has once again dropped me from Top Rated to Above Standard for February due to lack of sales, go figure.