RE: Hobby King really sucks...
All I can say is that I've used them, HK, for years. I've never had a problem like you described. I have gotten some bad (useless actually) parts but for the cost I just throw them away. My bad. I always use PAYPAL when dealing with anyone on the NET. I does not take a genuis to figure that if you send someone money - it's your BAD ! All you can hope for is that you get the product. That's the way of the world today.
Yes HK has increased their shipping, but hasn't everyone? Unless you live close to your LHS places like HK will alway provide a needed service.
Learn from your lesson and never send cash.