I've had numerous auctions close lately on ebay with 4-5 watchers, and 200+ hits (used computer parts, old handheld games) --- all of them WITHOUT BIDS at the end. While at the same time I have stuff BIN'd or bit on at the last second with no watchers and 10-20 hits.
# of watchers and hits doesn't guarentee anything.
Also, sniping does NOT lessen the amount you could make. It ensures fairness in bidding however by not disclosing your amount. if two people bid early for $25 and $50 respectively, your item would sell for $25.50. If they both sniped at the end for the same amounts, your item would again, sell for $25.50.
As a seller I don't mind snipers. As a seller I NEVER end an auction early.
As a buyer, I refuse to bid early because I never know the intent of the seller and possible fake bidders so dont want to expose interest until the last second, but I bid as high as I would had I placed an early bid.