As to whether it was properly packed- he put it back in the same bubble wrap and the same box, but not nearly as much packing paper around as I had sent it.  The box was a little worse for wear, but I'm not convinced it would be enough to crack two pieces. I guess anything is possible though.  The way I see it either 1) he dropped it and broke it and is being dishonest about his reasons for return or 2) he honestly and innocently didnt like it or whatever and AP broke it on the return trip.  I have no way of knowing which......