I didn't even know there was a section in the PHB until you pointed it out. Now I agree with you fully.Someone said:The problem I see is that we don´t really have 22478 gp, since items are sold for half value. Suppose nobody wants any item: we then get 11500 gp (11499, to be precise). We should start with that; actually I think the method in the PHB to be the most appropiate.
So the only question is who's going to get which item, and then will split it according to the PHB.
So far Verick wants the ring.
Lorien would like ring as well.
Any bidders on any of the other items?