Quote from bone:
First of all, it is illegal on most exchanges (including Eurex) for traders to cross their own orders. Brokers are allowed to do it to fill customer orders so long as a certain protocol (time lapse) is followed.
If you think someone is crossing orders - call the exchange's help desk. Tell them the price, time and contract and they will verify the counterparties for you over the phone while you wait. Even if you weren't part of the trade, they will verify that the trade was legit. I have gotten a few people in trouble now and then, especially in thin markets and off-hours.
Secondly, 'ghost' or 'phantom' orders are subject to an exchange's order to fill ratio rules for messaging - all electronic exchanges have them. In other words, a trader is penalized and fined if the number of cancel order and replace order messages exceed the actual fill order messages by a published percentage, or 'ratio'.
Thirdly, anybody that thinks open outcry is more transparent than electronic trading can take another bong hit. Not so by a long shot. Been there, done that.
A far as Paul Rotter goes, I love the guy. Made money off him. If you think he's not fair, then he must be mis-priced. Watch the other Eurex products, the Liffe products, and the European cash market if you can get the quotes. Hit him or lift him if you think he's wrong.
If you know how to properly spread trade, then Paul Rotter shouldn't bother you in the least. Make money off him.