I bid on, but didn't win any this past week, but no problem there.

If I read the update on PirateShip correctly, the USPS first implemented the 1 oz to 15.99 oz same price rule for non-continental mailing (Alaska, Hawaii, APO and FPO addresses.)

Then coming up, or maybe already in place, they're doing the same up-charge to RURAL zip code recipients. So if you're in a big city, your package will be less than if you live out in the country somewhere. I guess they have a list of rural vs. urban zip codes?

An urban zip code up-charge is surely in the works. They're just using the frog-in-the-hot-water model to implement this a little bit at a time.