Why mediocre? Maybe for you, but on level 1 that player has high 5 starts. Any player who lacks 1sp to become scout is more cost-effective than scout, unless you start endless bid war for him. Less tokens you spend on auction for such player, more cost-effective he is. Players like that one are always wanted, no wonder there were many bidders. I have over 300 tokens on mine account, but I would never buy scout.
There are no cruel auctions, there are only stubborn players which are willing to pay big amount of tokens just to get some player.