Don't take it as a problem of the currency, think of it as you learning to deal with a new financial system.  One of the major draws of Bitcoin is that the transactions are non-reverseable so there is a lot less risk in accepting payment.

Use an escrow service like Clearcoin (free) to handle transactions like this.  If someone screws you, you can get a refund.  (Note: Bank Wire transfers (which are about as close to Bitcoin as you get irl) are also non-reverseable without some major legal wrangling (read: $$$).

Sending someone Bitcoins is permanant, Paypal is not.  Paypal scams are pretty common in Bitcoin, Clearcoin takes care of most of the problems (most scammers won't accept Clearcoin, saying it's unsafe or some other BS).