It goes both ways.  If the update is at midnight 
PST, most West Coast people have an advantage 
because they're more likely to be awake.  If the 
update is at 4am PST, most East Coast people have 
an advantage because they're more likely to be 
awake (7am though ~_~).  Plus, there's no 
accounting for people who don't have such a 
regular schedule.

Shops like Taro and Animaxis tend to update in a 
range that covers both of those times (as well as 
times outside of those which are better for both 
coasts).  Some weeks Taro is good for me, some 
weeks Taro is good for the East Coast.  Of 
course, I think I've still gotten cels hours 
after the update somehow... how I will never 
know, but it happens ^_^  *points to her Mylandah 
from Animaxis*  

I would like to believe that I try to go for the 
deals and not overpay.  I would also like to 
believe that I've gotten fine and dandy cels this 
way.  (sniff... sniff... at least -I- wuv them)  
Perhaps since I'm on the West Coast I should rave 
more?  It's just not my style... plenty of raving 
already in my gallery.

Anyway, sorry to hear about your bad luck 
recently.  The saying goes, 'when it rains it 
pours...', everyone seems to go through some dry 
spells and then *boom* their wallet is bare and 
they're getting armfuls of cels... winning all 
the auctions -and- catching all the updates.  
Sounds like you may be due ^^

Plus, even if there is a disadvantage, we get the 
reward of living on the West Coast (yay!)

Keys
Raving:  WW's back!  WW's back!!  mwa ha ha ha!