This just proves what I have always thought, buyers do not like paying the Protection? fee so pass it on the seller. 

For all the extra protection it offers, it is just a money spinner for ebay, as it is in addition to the money back guarantee which costs the buyer nothing. 

This is what the fee covers, and how often is it needed?

What does Buyer Protection include?

With Buyer Protection, you benefit from:

• 24/7 customer service: Get support around the clock if you need help.
• Risk monitoring and fraud detection: We actively monitor marketplace activity to identify risk and potential fraud and take action to keep you protected.
• Secure transactions: All payments are encrypted end-to-end and handled by our trusted payments partners.