I gotta agree Mark...but I havent had any USPS troubles as of yet..

but I did have a loss or damged & trashed item I sent by UPS last month. The Item was An antique piece of Pottery, UPS crushed the box corner and broke the contents & then denied to pay the insured or declared value that was purchased for it.

I then ended up winning my claim a month later, but grew a few hundred more grey hairs before their time!

USPS may be slow sometimes,
but usually is okay for the most part as long as mail is'nt sent parcel post or book rate, then it's as slow as the (Pony Express) during a snow storm.

~ I can see your thoughts clearly though & I would feel the same way. I think as long as watches or money or Money orders are sent by atleast 1st class mail and better yet (Priority with delivery confirmation & insurance)for most watches and things, and best by Registered as you say for items of higher value.

I must agree with you, "One's word is, and should be his Bond), and as you have said there just doesnt seem to be alot of thoughts for that today, out in the world we all live in.
Thankfully there are "our brothers" here on the SCWF & other forums that still believe in these truth's, and hold them to the high standard that you & I both value.

Very nice post & I'm sure the letter was mis-directed and will hopefully show up, and if not well then your check or Money Order can be stopped and then payment resent as you know.

Cheers-Jimmy