Been on Ebay for about 10 years...

thank you for your post...

are you suggesting I am unlucky or that I do not read and respect the
sellers descriptions? The former I might agree with the latter I take
offense with.

If "real life" could get me the same prices as eBay, it would be a
viable option - but, for example, I can't find a $2.89 case for my
phone... its closer to $8 or $10.

If that seller lists it for a iPhone 4 & 4s but it arrives as only
fitting the iPhone 4 PROPERLY, we have a problem. Same goes with 4 pin
vs. 5 pin Micro USB chargers... etc etc.

"you" as the seller are banking on the fact that a buyer like me won't
argue or attempt to make the situation you made wrong, right. This
seems to happen all to often with those selling cell phone parts.

You get what you pay for!

I don't expect a knockoff Otterbox Defender case for $12 to work as
well as the $35 ones in the AT&T store.

There has to be a little inference on the part of the buyer here.
Yes, its more expensive in "real life" because, as you stated, you can
see, taste, touch and feel the merchandise. You know if the quality
is worth the cost.

Buying online. It's taking a gamble and in honesty, I don't think it
warrants initiating charge backs against a high volume, low cost
seller who is KNOWN to sell less than quality products.

High levels of negatives and returns indicate you're the kind of
customer I don't want within 50 feet of me. My biggest nightmare is a
buyer who doesn't read the description and forces a return the item,
and then negs me into the bargain.

I recently received my first negative in seven years of selling from a
buyer who wanted to return something she'd broken, and then got mad
when I wouldn't refund her money without her shipping the item back.
(including postage both ways) I try to be nice; most sellers of
vintage items have a no returns policy. Sorry - I'll wear my red
circle with pride. I also recently had to eat a return from someone
who didn't like something once she got it. More buyers, or renters and
blackmailers, (refund or I'll neg you) like that no one needs.

Ebay provides few if any protections for sellers, and those few have
been steadily eroded. It sounds like they're finally cracking down on
some people who are costing them money. Returns mean they have to
refund fees, something they absolutely HATE. They can live with
scammers and liars, but cost the share holders a few cents and they'll
actually do something.

Its not just about feedback, its also about returns and how much you
have been refunded.

Also if you demand refunds alot the sellers can report you to ebay.
Esspecially if its unwarranted, you might get your money back, but if
its because you didnt read the auction you will get in trouble if it
happens too much. Get too many complaints about you and you will be
suspended.

The problem with alot of sellers is they post feedback after payment.
So you might have 100% positive feedback, but still have complaints
about you due to things thats happened after payment was made.

You seem to know whats going on since you say in all likelyhood you
deserve the punishment. When you come back from your suspension do
what he suggested, read the auction before you buy/bid.