> I searched for an obscure domain on pork bun. It was open. The very next day it was bought and up for sale for a higher price on some marketplace they own. They’re the same as any other registrar.

For a counter anecdote: none of the potential domains names I kept tabs on for an organization had that happen, and it was nearly 6 months of regular checking before pulling the trigger.

You don't have to wait until expiry. Transfers generally add 1 year of service (for most TLDs), so unless you're already at the limit, you can transfer everything now.

This is the motivation I need to finally switch off NameSilo too