I tried placing bids under $2 earlier in the week , but Commsec...

I tried placing bids under $2 earlier in the week , but Commsec wouldn't allow them . I rang & asked why & they said they were too far from the current price . I said there were other offers of $1 & $1.15 , & asked why they were allowed . The fella said they were placed quite some time ago . I asked when .... he said about a week ! Why should Commsec dictate what I should pay for a stock ?!
Anybody have suggestion for an alternative to Commsec (I've had problems before) ? I don't trade often , generally buy for long term holds , & just need something basic