Yes, I'll I'm asking for is some consumer choice - otherwise, I'm sure I won't be alone in going back to using stamps for certain shipments since the cost of the merchandise does not justify a high price for shipping. If PayPal gets a commission, that will cut into it. Moreover, it will generate more mailings without bar codes.

I think the post office requires 3/4 inch thickness because mail carriers deliver stacks of flat items (letters) without double-checking for special instructions like delivery confirmation (in my neighborhood, they don't even double check letters for the right address - we have a Cliff Claven-like exchange daily). Thickness requires the carrier to pay attention to possible special services.