FedEx problem BIG one

[St. Lou Stu]

Sorry to hear.
Denial isn't always the first route for package carriers.
The shipper declaring $5 value and recipient filing a claim for a lost laptop sure would throw a flag though.
Not trying to be a jackass, just shedding some light on the thought processes involved.
I know it may be a PITA, but try to make a few more calls and see if you can escalate it any if you haven't already.

Tim