[PHI 3800] Induction and IBE: Who's the parasite?

Some think that induction is ultimately dependent on Inference to the Best Explanation (IBE). Their argument goes something like this:

1. If explanatory considerations play an implicit role in inductive inferences, then induction is ultimately dependent on IBE.
2. Explanatory considerations play an implicit role in inductive inferences.
3. (Therefore) Induction is ultimately dependent on IBE.

In support of premise (2), consider the following:

1. All examined pieces of metal conduct electricity.
2. (Therefore) All pieces of metal conduct electricity.

We infer (2) from (1), the argument goes, because we believe that the best explanation for why examined pieces of metal conduct electricity, whatever it is, means that unexamined pieces of metal conduct electricity, too.

On the other hand, there are those who think that IBE is ultimately dependent on induction because, when we choose the best explanation among competing explanations, we rely on background information that was acquired using inductive reasoning.

1. If we choose the best explanation among competing explanations based on information obtained by induction, then IBE is ultimately dependent on induction.
2. We choose the best explanation among competing explanations based on information obtained by induction.
3. (Therefore) IBE is ultimately dependent on induction.

In support of premise (2), consider the following:

1. Approximately 9,000 crop circles appeared in Southern England around the end of the 20th century.
2. The best explanation for (1) is that these crop circles are man-made.
3. (Therefore) These crop circles are man-made.

We infer (3) from (1) and (2), the argument goes, because our background information tells us that what initially looks like a mysterious or paranormal phenomena usually turns out to be the work of human beings. This information was gained from past experience, which means that it was acquired using induction.

Which argument do you find more convincing? Do you think that IBE ultimately depends on induction or that induction ultimately depends on IBE?