It would be best to stay in escrow. Think about it - shipping isn't THAT expensive, and if it means you can stay within the protection of SR's escrow system, I think it's worth it to pay for it and forgo the "free shipping" offer for FE. Finalizing early is always risky no matter how well you think you know the vendor, or how many times you have successfully purchased from them, or how many good reviews they have. It's just safer to stay within the escrow system because it is in place for your protection.