Ebay began using asterisks to mask user names. What you're seeing is normal.
I don't see how someone can place a lower bid after you've placed yours. The system doesn't allow you to do that.
I seem to remember the asterisks, but it's been a while since I've actually bid on anything. Thanks for the reminder. Duh!
See, I need to put together a mining rig to sharpen my mind. It's been getting rusty apparently.