Welcome to the PayPal scam, originated and put into practice by eBay and PayPal.
They won't post the "rules," but you have to have 25 positive feedback sales before they'll even consider releasing your funds.
They won't tell you, but if a buyer scams you, they are going to side with the buyer, because then PayPal can keep the fees.
They'll tell you they will release your funds on "x" day, but they won't.
Right now, they're the only game in town. Popmoney is coming along, and you can always ask for a USPS money order. eBay doesn't like that, because, of course, they can't double-dip on the seller's fees AND the PayPal fees.
Sooner or later, electronic funds transfers will eliminate PayPal and their scams. Until then, they're the only game, and you either have to sell a lot, or get the funds held. PayPal doesn't care a whit about infrequent sellers. They really don't care a whit about any seller. As long as a buyer pays, and PayPal gets their fees, PayPal is happy. As long as a buyer pays, and eBay gets its fees, eBay is happy. Fairness and accountability are not part of the PayPal/eBay business model.
