Im not sure. Many of the CS staff do not have great English skills and they have ready prepared answers to many questions which they C&P in, so sometimes you get a completely different reply to what the question was. There is also no recourse if the info giving is found to be wrong down the track.

'handling' has always been tricky. It should cover any packaging and post preparation costs but remember that it doesn't really matter what ebay say is the correct amount for handling. Buyers are the one who will either look at your listing and say "no chance" or perceive it to be good value... And then after they receive their item, they will also look at the P&H amount they paid compared to what it cost you to send the item and leave feedback accordingly.

Many buyers prefer to see "free postage". The postage is of course not free but built in to the start cost. Items like yours that can be sent easily as large letter rates are perfect for listing with 'free' post.

Why not try some at say $12.99 or $14.99 with free post and see what the results are?