, then it is out of my hands and up to the recipient to chase the item

I felt the same way, but upon AP admitting the item was lost, I refunded my buyer and took my "fight" with them on myself. I wanted to leave the buyer out of it if I could. AND AP wouldn't compensate them anyway, only the sender (if you're lucky).

Back to the other point: I have no idea how they want me to prove my original price and since they haven't even asked anything about what it's worth, if they keep giving me the run around, I'll send in a docket I have for a $70 handbag 😐

Like I said, it isn't about money, but they WILL give me back $5 just because they should ]:)