Ignatius-otc: they self squat for very long periods of time,so that they can then sell the domain back to the true owner for around $100 USD. As for auto-renew before or after expiration, afaik it happens before the actual expiration date.

Ignatius-otc: godaddy holds their domains forever, calls and emails countless notices of expiration. I havent had success nabbing expiring domains from them but I wish you luck.