Yes. Ask for options before bidding. It would seem that ebay only shows
the option that is most profitable to themselves now. But I've read
recently that they are going to show more options on the sellers page
soon, like they use to do.
Open a claim with ebay, paypal, credit card, USPS. Let them fight for
you, that's why they say you have purchase protection. I use paypal
everywhere possible, plus they offer refunds on qualified shipping
return charges.