I am very pleased as well with e-bay, and I am at much more risk as most of you , as I am not in usa.
What I am looking for is not much for sale in europe, so the only source is usa.
I bought a lot the past month's (one of the reasons I am not frequently here at the moment ) but so far nothing but positive experiences.

1. I allways look at the feedback of the seller.
2. I arrange my own transport and pick up with fedex.
3. I have e-mail contact before bidding.
4. I won't take direkt offers (which is against the rules of e-bay anyway)

So far knock wood, no problems yet.

Fred