Er, did I read correctly that in 2013 we are all being forced to offer free postage, or our items will be very low in the rankings? Seriously??

Yes. This will bring Au in line with the US.

If you don't comply, you can forget being found in anything other than a direct description search.

The following step will be to force 24hr shipping - even tho' Paypal takes 48hr min to discover false payments - using the eBay postage system to print your postage. No 24hr or eBay postage, no visiblility.

There are many US posts about how it appears eBay no longer wants hobby/small sellers in preference to new w'sale & retail goods sellers as it shifts it's focus to being an on-line Walmart (K-Mart) and chases the mobile app user.

Look for 30 day min return for refund warranties with seller to pay return postage as well.