Dl- unbelievable, hideous that your $3000 bag was sent by normal post. delighted you got it okay.
FYI- for any future purchases of that value, sending recorded is no good either. Recorded only insures up to £34, and isn't trackable. Yu would need it sent by 'special delivery' with extra insurance, though I am unsure if special delivery insurance goes any higher than £1000. If it doesn't it would have to be UPS or a courier like that.
Good for you leaving a neg, its horrendous such a valuable item was set through the post.