"Why oh why does eBay insist on constantly revising how the platform works."
A lot of changes are done to keep one step ahead of hackers and scammers. Others are done because new improved methods sometimes save money. They don't sit around a conference table planning how to frustrate users. Their meetings are about how to make more money.
Your pictures are great. If you want them brighter try using a flash. Take it in a slight angIe to deflect the glare. If your camera has a close-up feature that can help too, but again your pictures are great!