In my opinion I do think an auction detracts from what an expo should be for quite a few reasons, and I have emailed Rian my thoughts.
There have been auctions at the Chicago pinball expo. They usually hold them in another room away from the main event. I personally don't like pinball auctions but a lot of people do. I think it is a good idea to have one, just allow people to avoid it if they want. After all they are selling pinball machines and it is a pinball show ;-)
