I've suspected this for years, but the proof is starting to show up.
http://blog.domaintools.com/2008/01/network-solutions-steals-domain-ideas-confirmed/
If you look up the availablility of a domain name via the Network Solutions website, be prepared to buy it that second. If you don't, they (NS) will... and then they'll try to ransom it back to you at a higher price.
If you still don't buy it from them, you have virtually no chance of getting it, because the expired domain vultures will swoop down, literally within milliseconds after Network Solutions lets it go (after their 5 day ransom period.)
Try looking up a name at Network Solutions, and then go over to GoDaddy.com and try to register it. Just make sure it's a name you don't actually care about.
This is seriously dirty behaviour... don't be surprised if you hear the words "Class Action" in the near future.
Of course, I'm still pissed about losing BlogusMaximus.com to some parasitic jackass in Singapore, but that was my *former* hosts fault. I tried to renew several times and they screwed it up... so it expired. Within almost no time at all, it was gone. Thanks a lot, SoftCom! I can't even make contact to try and buy it back (although I'm sure they would want too much for it anyway.)