It certainly has been noticeable - although some international S&H quotes from the US have been very high of late! I'm not clear as to how far this simply reflects postal rates themselves, or a sellers wishing to be paid for his time/effort. If it is due to their own acquistion S&H costs - that is unreasonable: its a 'dead' cost.
EBay has protected itself, I believe, from 'value/profit' shifting to the S&H charge, but not the purchaser if all goes wrong.
Clearly, S&H should be taken into account by a buyer in deciding what to bid - although this puts the overseas buyer at a disadvantage, as his 'net of S&H' high bid would then always be less than a local's. But, it's perhaps unrealistic for any buyer to assume the worst and factor in a double S&H - there would then be very few sets one would bid on internationally.
The reality, is that if you want a set, you have to 'grin and bear' the risk of these costs; but, take note and do all you can to avoid mistakes. I was caught out earlier this year but, thankfully, not a terible cost.
