Sadly I have to agree with oro_banana...
There are several reasons that it is fair...

1)  The reason that you have to have an account 
with them is because people DO email & say they 
want to bid on something & then just drop off of 
planet earth.. (deadbeat bidders)

2)   On the deposit, its not just because you are 
new to celga. Even celga members have to keep a 
positive balance of at least half of thier bids.
So you were not "singled out" for the deposit.
    They have to have these deposits in order to 
pay the sellers.

3)   They did give you a refund. I don't think 
ALL places are willing to do that.

  Maybe you can sign up with another deputy 
sevice and still get the cel??
Good Luck :)