Well, if another opportunity doesn't present itself before this dealio finishes I think I'll be going the MyUS method, it's definitely a reasonable option and saves me hassling my US mate with a monstrosity at no savings to me.

I was thinking I could give him the cash to have it as extra checked baggage on a return flight from the States to AU, which he does most Christmases but it's still US$175 for the privilege assuming he flies Qantas.