> Shipping rates are astronomical. Do you think privatizing the postal system will make a positive difference? I have my doubts.

I am not quite sure how much they are... and I am not sure how this stuff is arranged over there.

Increased competition lowers prices in general, but snailmail (except for express) is a natural monopoly: 2 companies means 2 networks (postmen having to go from door to door is an activity which makes up the bulk of the costprice). Ofcourse in the shortrun some companies will work for less but in the long run they tend to end up with/in a niche. Since that niche is likely to have been one of the profit drivers for the monopolist, it will raise prices for normal mail further.