Incredible story. So sorry that you had to go through this. Just a nightmare.
I read this and many other stories and decided the best way to safeguard myself is to not sell anything of real value via SBF.
I also opened a P.O. box so I can pick up my stuff from an actual P.O. worker. And I always send Purchased Goods the first time dealing with someone because I can never be too safe.
This week I had a bat fall out of a truck. Short story.
The tracking said available for pickup, but I was handed an empty box with both sides completely opened at the counter. Tape came apart completely; old box and one cheap strip of tape.
I pick up a couple bats a week from the P.O., so they know me now, they were ready to show me the bat that was found after the packages were removed.
I confirmed the bat was mine and showed them the picture I was given by the seller.