The reason they give/non-cynical take is that it's a hold for potential buyer dispute. If they do, and eBay decides in their favour (to refund or partially refu

The reason they give/non-cynical take is that it's a hold for potential buyer dispute. If they do, and eBay decides in their favour (to refund or partially refund) then it ensures they already/still have your money, they don't have to try to bill you back for it. (Which would also have an associated cost, but surely the main aspect would just be already having it, you haven't run off with it, not unable or unwilling to pay it, etc.)