1. Feedback check - for a seller new to me: ABSOLUTELY (but I still double check for subsequent purchases). I especially look for the the same answer as you:
"I want to know whether the seller would throw a berserk fit if something goes wrong." If I get a problem, will I regret my purchase or will I be helped to resolve the situation?
2. Seller's history; I am, perhaps, a little less focused on this, unless something doesn't 'feel' right
3. Postage cost. Absolutely check.
4. Asking questions. I will do this if there is a genuine question or if the listing doesn't present as being genuine in some way.
I, too, am in agreeance with feedback having become unreliable. As I see it, sellers' inability to leave neut/neg has resulted in three basic problems-
A. Incorrect feedback. There are valid situations where a buyer does NOT deserve positive feedback
B. Blackmail
C. Bad sellers are now protected from themselves leaving a 'retaliatory' neg. Of the times I've done in-depth feedback research, I've come across a few of these - and in every case I've encountered, the buyer is clearly vindicated by other feedback they've received and the seller condemned by their repeated use of the neg. Those sellers borrow ubbrds 50 calibre (set on full auto), take square aim at their own feet and just hold the trigger down.
But that was before ... NOW those sellers are prevented from showing their true colours which makes feedback research that much more difficult and INCREASES THE RISKS TO BUYERS.
Not what I would call a positive step in 'Improving the buyer experience'.