It is possible that the increase in shipping charges resulted from Ebay's increas in listing and final value fees since the shipping is exempt from them. If you keep in mind that the item you are bidding on is worth a certain amount to you, including shipping, and do not bid higher, then as a buyer the split between you bid and shipping is irrelevant as long as the total is not more than you wanted to pay. Personally I start p&h at 60 cents and try to keep it at just the postage.