JoeN:
I hear you. I have heard many people here complaining about customs in their countries. That's why I am a little surprised I've never had an issue. Never once. I've probably ordered 50 items from overseas over the last 2 years I have been in the electronics scene here. The value has never been over $100. Most of the time, I bet it is under $20. I'm getting cheapo stuff - various parts. The only expensive things I have are instruments which I have always bought domestically from authorized dealers, except for a refurbished 2465B Tektronix scope which was from a domestic eBay dealer who specializes in repairing, refurbishing, and calibrating Tektronix scopes.
FYI, regarding a US person importing and their obligations to US Customs.
Get over $200 and you will start to see them get interested in your paying duties...