The book was Media and is Media. All hard and soft cover trades qualify as Media. The Post Master admitted it. Someone simply made a mistake, or was trying to cover for their screwup in damaging the book by just sending it back to me.

The person responsible actually violated post rules by not placing an inspection sheet with their signature into the box. That shows whoever inspected the box knew they damaged the item and therefore did not want to be help responsible. Once the Post Master put two and two together, she knew that it was 100% the fault of the post office.

I did not enjoy the experience. Never want to go through that again.