I believe the sole purpose of these computers is to attract bargain hunting retail consumers with thoughts of getting a great deal on expensive equipment. The ads are written with computers as the lead attraction. A good portion of these computers were barebones. The auction computers were 486 sx 66 mhz stripped to the bone with no monitor or even a warranty. Three reasons, 1.
Computers represent very complex machines.
Most consumers have no idea what the numbers and letters mean. The auctioneer knows this. During the actual bidding, you can be swept away from your senses. Yes it's true you do get caught up in the bidding frenzy very easily. It's their job to keep a bid going, get the crowd excited and keep it off balance.