That is a bit ridiculous isnt it. Mind you, I had a postmaster near me that didn't know what Special Delivery was... SURELY they're supposed to go on some kind of training course?
Oh well. The postmaster near us now is brilliant and very helpful and friendly, and the one I lived near in Leicester was great too. So they're not all crap by any means ;)
And the post here is -brilliant- even with it's little foibles... if you want rubbish service, try Canada/US! Takes a week to send something next door!