are new postal regulations tied to government surveillance...?

[MineralMan]

6. Actually, I'm pretty sure it's a Homeland Security requirement.

I can check, if you like.

OK, I checked, and here's what I found:

U.S. Post Office boxes are a convenient way to collect mail and are more secure than your home mailbox. In some rural areas of the country where mail delivery is not an option, P.O. boxes may be a requirement to receive mail. In recent years, the postal service has heightened requirements for box rental in response to concerns about criminals using the boxes to protect their anonymity. U.S. Code, Title 31, part of a package of bills strengthening Homeland Security rules passed in February 2010, further increased postal service identification verification standards.

Read more: http://www.ehow.com/list_7384371_usps-box-homeland-security-requirements.html#ixzz2XpRdT3kX