My perspective:
If you want fast, you usually have the option to use a courier service, at a huge cost.
You cannot really compare this to the packet service, which as I understand it, is by nature a consolidated service. This means they will accumulate packets until there are enough to warrant sending on...this seems to apply to the vendors as well, as they are not going to run to the post with each package as it is filled, either.
The cost of shipping by China vendors is largely subsidised by China gov., which is why you can order a $2 item on ebay or amazon, and have it shipped "free" to you in the US/Europe/etc.
Those of you in AU who get orders from US know what the actual costs of sending mail internationally look like...
Enjoy the gravy train while it lasts.
This is exactly what I experienced. And loving the gravy train as much as I can