Probably because it is a new account. Also the amount of money involved, who from, etc., could be factors. Even the category of the transaction could be a factor -- for example, iPods can easily be resold and are more likely to involve fraud than an old chair. They are flexible -- will do what they want based on the situation. Since they have Buyer and Seller protection policies, they are worried about fraud -- can't blame them. (Afraid that the buyer and seller are conspiring. Or that the seller will clear out the account before the buyer files a claim for something.)The less fraud, the lower their fees. ... .... A lot of people complain about the hold. Have fun and read and post here:
http://forums.ebay.com/db2/forum/Paypal/97 (funny that the second topic is about the 21-day hold, as I read the page now)
Robert