First, I want to say I'm truly sorry this happened to you, esp since it's a very large dollar amount.
But second, I want to flip this around, sort of. If/when you purchased this item, if you purchased it from say Best Buy (or another major retailer), and had it shipped to you, Best Buy would be using UPS or FedEx or USPS to ship it to you. If it arrived damaged to you, from the shipper, would you be willing to wait a few weeks for either a refund, or a replacement item sent to you?
I know I wouldn't. A larger retailer takes the same risks we do, when shipping items out. Granted, they have a better 'buffer' for errors, but a major retailer wouldn't ask nor require a buyer to wait a few weeks for either their money back or a replacement to be shipped. Is it fair to ask the buyer to wait for either their money or a replacement, simply because the business/person selling the item isn't as well funded?
Like I said, truly not trying to be cruel or cold, just pointing out that major retailers use the same shipping companies, and are held to the same standards that eBay will likely expect of you.
