Here's a guide by Mike Davidson of how it took over 75 days, to get the domain he wanted. The domain was expiring, so he dealed with three services, once it's for sale to the general public. http://www.mikeindustries.com/blog/archive/2005/03/how-to-snatch-an-expiring-domain
Interesting It is very interesting to know that there are people who are able to take some time just to be able to share something new and informative to everyone.