Yup... And you can bet that your average registrar would be willing to
spend $500, or the current ~$90 signup fee just to get accurate insider info.
Well, sure -- but you can also predicate it on non-compete and activity terms, and pull the plug.
You can also bet that they sign up to the lists, or at least keep an eye on 'em. Competitive intelligence is required, at a minimum, in order to market services competitively.
There's nothing you can do about it, there's nothing illegal about it, and
lets face it, there's nothing really wrong with it, it's an integral part
of the free market.
Actually, I work as a product marketing guy, and my responsibilities include competitive analysis, so I know how it works. I also know the things you do to put roadblocks in people's path, and Tucows doesn't seem to be trying.
