The fact that these prices are divided in steps but not connected to for example the contents of your Steem Wallet means they price steps are given to us on the basis of trust. It's a shame that trust is being abused by some. I've also seen the opposite: people who I clearly see as contenders for the Plankton tickets (coming from Africa as Minnows) thinking about buying the Minnow or even regular prized tickets.

In the end it will probably even out but it's still an awful thing to see happening.