I will give eBay another five days to see whether they can resolve this now that it has been escalated and then start the bank chargeback process.  I wish I had come here sooner because you guys seem to understand the process much better than the eBay agents and leadership team.  eBay has become very autocratic and unhelpful in matters like this.  I wasn't aware of the 30 day deadline and the seller used procrastination and other tactics to delay the whole process.  I tried to buy the goods in good faith and eBay has let me down badly.  The seller is not bothered except he will have to try again to sell his less than perfect goods.