Again, I've been told at the PO that registered post is now only for letters. I've never seen so much confusion over postal services than over the last month or two.

I believe you are right. I have been told the same at my post office. Registered post is used now only for letters.

They are usually very strict about weight. I can only remember receiving a discount once in over 10 years. The item was 1 or 2 grams over and the lady rounded it back. I have not experienced that miracle since of course and look forward to repacking more items to bring the weight down. Maybe they are scared of you. 😉

I have encountered some very helpful staff before. On one item, which was thin, I charged the customer a parcel rate so that I could bubble wrap it. At the counter, the lady said 'oh, we might be able to squeeze that through as a letter' and began trying to squish it flat for me. The look of shock on my face was almost enough to get her to stop, but I had to actually tell her it really wasn't a good idea as there was breakable jewllery inside.