Yeah, as you realized you are too late to file with PayPal, and as was noted all the seller has to do is provide some sort of proof of shipping and they are off the hook.
Keep trying. Our luck with ebay has been good. Most people are decent. But it is the principle of the thing, not matter how much or little money is involved.
I bought something on ebay 2 years ago. But it now, and paid that day. 2 days later he left feedback thanking me and saying I was a great buyer. Then he stalled and stalled... 2 years later I have no product and no refund. It was only like $10, but still.
Good luck!
