Yes, Paypal can suck! If you are a buyer, and you didn't get the items, or you got goods not as described, just skip the Paypal resolution process and go straight to your credit card to complain. I believe most credit card companies would give you about 45 to 60 days to file a claim (mine usually allows 60) and you will certainly get your money back if you never got the stuff you paid for.
And as bchgirl said (great tip!), ALWAYS pay for stuff on Paypal via credit card, not via Paypal balance or your bank account, as that will give you the most protection. If you had paid via Paypal balance or via your bank account, you would probably not be able to get any of your money back if the seller just "ran" off with it...