Is that really the case? If, so then I am disappointed to say the least. If Mr Omidyar wants to keep/make Ebay attractive, it has to be a safe place to buy items. It never ceases to amaze me how much greed there is in this world.
I personally have a dilemma. I want to get a decent used Trek Madone. Ebay seems the logical (best?) place to source one. However, how Can I be sure that is isn't stolen? The last thing I want is to fund those particular low-lifes.
I'm sorry to say that is the way it seems to me. Ebay is a cash hungry animal and it seems they don't care how they get it. That may be a bit harsh as I'm sure they probably do take more serious action at times, but it does seem that people can get away with far more than you would expect.
As for the Madone, in a nutshell, you can't be 100% certain. All I'd say is vet the seller, how much feedback do they have, is it all good etc. You can often judge a seller by the advert, is it comprehensive, have they taken time, (and expense) to upload plenty of pictures, do they answer your questions promptly and as you'd expect. Or do they have low feedback, (but consider everyone starts from zero), is the advert brief and sketchy, is there one picture, (usually taken on a $hitty mobile phone), and are their replies basic and non-committal?
I sold my Madone 5.5 few years ago and got almost what I paid, but I advertised it honestly, (as always), the guy asked loads of questions which I answered fully, and I met up with him so he could inspect the bike.
I would expect if someones had the bike from new they would include the manuals and proof of purchase in one of their pictures too.
If you do see one post a link on here and ask what people think, you'll get plenty of replies
