The Rebel was a 3/4” Miller and the Vitro patch was a Black-eyed Pea and the Conqueror was a shooter, so not that crazy IMHO. And being an auction, it just takes two people who want a marble to start a bidding war.
A wire pull should contain one continuous ribbon that snakes through the core of the marble and on the surface, as well. Agree Ravenswood is a high probability.
Lots of folks don’t go to marble shows and their access to marbles for sale is somewhat limited to the internet and some antique stores or flea markets.
It’s a case of “supply and demand.” It appears there is more demand for a limited supply and that bodes well for marble collecting. You just have to learn to be a smart buyer.