That simply might have more to due with how he patterened the auction rather than the price. If he would have started with a lower opening price, then locked in a reserve, it probably would have sold for something just a tiny bit less than he truly wanted.
It's the way eBay is structured, and how people shop, that can govern success or failure.
By starting with an opening bid of $1500 he 'tipped his hand' at the opening and people could decide to simply keep away without showing any interest at all. It is better to start very low and allow the bidders themselves to compete against the 'hidden' reserve - allow the market forces of people's own interest to drive the price to where you (hope) to sell.