I have had another message from A and I feel he is sincerely prepared to make this right, but does not have the resources, at this time, to do so for everyone. A states someone called purple and requested details on their shipment and then called repeatedly, raising the red flag and causing the subsequent confiscation.
whether or not this is exactly what happened, I think he needs a chance to make this right and I feel he is genuinely looking into ways to do just that. I was shocked by his earlier suggestion, but I do not feel there was nefarious intent and I am sure another plan will formulate soon. A told me this has never happened to him before and I am going to have to take that at face value and remain patient.
As if this is true, it is a first time for an ill prepared vendor and we should allow him to digest the matter and make plans, before his character is trashed and any chance of him redeeming his reputation is lost completely, with the money. I say wait, as hard as it is. I say try to stay calm and meter your reply's - as hard as that is.
Cheers