I am trying to research certain domain names.

But that is frustrated. Doing a lookup in GoDaddy's "WildWest" WhoIs only returns the fact that they are the registrar of the name, and the expiration date. The listing offers zero information on the identity of the Registrant and other contacts.

Note, I am not talking about anonymous accounts. I'm saying there is not even that information.

How can they get away with this? How can they not be in flagrant violation of ICANN rules?

Some whois's look up things differently, I've seen some only show the nameservers, registar, and date registered. You may want to try GoDaddy's Whois it may give you better luck. http://who.godaddy.com. Best of Luck! http://Who.is is also a good alternative.

GoDaddy and WildWest are just different names for the same operation. The whois for them return the same info - or should I say, lack of it.

The question remains, how do they get away with it?

I bet those certain domains are in transition re: expiry/auction to being (re-assigned to some GoDaddy accounts.

When is the domain set to expire?

I have seen that when domains go into a redemption period.

I have seen that when domains go into a redemption period.
Yes, that too.

HOW are you doing this Whois look-up? Are you going to Godaddy's web site, or are you using a third-party Whois interface?

I believe that Godaddy's Whois server is one of those that only provide very basic information through third-party interfaces. If you want full information you need to go to Godaddy's own web site and go through some hoops (including a capcha IIRC).