You have to "request" for packaging on a $400 item!?! What the hell has this world come to!?!

yes apparently so!
here is the back and forth so far through the paypal dispute

From Buyer: spencer hickman on 03/01/2007 07:44 PST
why would i damage the box of a toy i have paid $430 for? I shouldnt need to ask for it to be packed properly, you should not be selling on ebay if you you cannot pack things correctly for overseas shipments, i want a refund as this is unnaceptable ,

From Seller: Leung Kin Cho on 03/01/2007 07:24 PST
Hey! You never request need double packing. We never try it before because EMS Speed Post is very beliveiable. You are the first case, how can we know it's not damaged by yourself. We told you when we ship it out it's in good condition. What do you want now???

From Buyer: spencer hickman on 03/01/2007 06:54 PST
i emailed you with photos of how damaged the box was to this figure as you used no packing whatsoever and you have not offered me a refund of discount, this is a ltd figure of 1000 only and the box is as collectible as the figure itself i am very unhappy with you and the fact that you only offered me a discount on a future purchase when it is obvious i will never buy from you again. I either want a full refund or a discount for the state this turned up in, this was a gift for my partner for christmas, i am very dissapointed with your customer service

LOVE the fact that he is saying I bust the box up!
Oh dear

Same thing happened to me on my dissected man. I demanded $150 back and got lucky it was someone that was actually human. Hope some resolution comes in your favor.

That sucks that the seller did such a horrible job of packaging the figure, but I seriously doubt you will get a full refund. That would mean that the seller would be taking a huge loss.

I assumed he meant he wanted a refund and would mail back the toy, though I could be wrong.

yeah that is what i meant ...though a full refund and keeping the companion would work too