Getting a domain already registered

[expat]

I didn't claim any kind of 'right answer' I just asked a question. I'd forgotten that domains automatically expire if not paid for, I was picturing unused and forgotten domains piling up with no way of reclaiming them for active use.

Ah. Yes, somebody is paying for it. If they stop, then it will become available again, at least until some squatting service snaps it up. I have had domains that I allowed to lapse appear later for sale at somewhat surprising prices, which shows that either I'm a poor businessman, or they are chancers.