As the title suggests, I'm thinking delivery protection is mandatory as it doesn't have an (optional) parenthesis with it on the costs webpage.

So based on your experience did your order (preferably from those who ordered ~1kg electronic parts from the states) arrive at your doorstep 'unscathed'?

All orders have delivery protection, but return protection is optional.

The vast majority of orders arrive 'unscathed'. Delivery protection is more for protection against your order not actually arriving, which is outside our control.