EBay Sellers: Have you ever been squeezed by a buyer?

I’ve been opened in a case as a seller, the buyer is demanding 50% refund. I did everything I possibly could, packed well, shipped fast etc. I asked for photographs of the said, “damage” haven’t received any yet, (the sense of urgency to respond back to me rubs me the wrong way seeing as he has yet to respond back to me).

eBay states, “Note that a case will only affect your seller performance rating if the case is not decided in your favor.”

Does this mean they will not issue me to provide a refund? Either way I have three options for him after he provides photos.

1. Have him send the package back, with tracking info and give him a full refund.
2. Give him a similar product with less value, to essentially, make him happy and shut up
3. Have him keep the item, I keep the money

What do you think?

PS This is a sensitive item that cannot be stored in heated vehicles. Also I clearly stated no refunds or no returns because the item is so rare that I don’t have any proof the buyer didn’t switch out the insides or has damaged it by not sheltering the item correctly.