I should have said (if we want to be technical) is there 'seems' to be an expectation of defeat that comes through in these forum discussions - it wasn't specifically about this topic. If I had more time this morning I would be happy to go and fish a few examples out.   But I will ask my question again, actually I will word it a different way, can stat decs be used to assist ebayers in situation such as described in here?

the 'expectation of defeat' comes from NOT following the guidelines to start with.

Paypal DO offer Seller protection

Seller DID NOT avail themselves of that protection , deciding, (for whatever reason) to 'go it alone'

Seller is now 'alone' and not covered,. . .  therefore little Paypal can do as the correct procedure was not put in place, by the seller, to start with.

chezzy, I realize the correct way can be too expensive on some low value items, it is up to the seller to analyze the situation, weigh up the options, and refund the occasional 'missing item' or 'paypal/bank chargeback'