Any question answered...

Just received an order from Ribble ... is it usual that they just send stuff sealed in plastic bags (that look like they've been heat-sealed or stapled in store)? I've received Campag and Time ATAC from other places and it has been sent in the original packaging boxes - if I'm buying new, I'd rather that it looked like it was originally packaged. How do I know it's not just a return?

Most of their stuff is OEM, hence the low prices. Retail packaging adds to the cost, and adds to the waste of resources and contents of your bin. If you want pretty boxes, buy from wiggle, who don't do much OEM kit and clearly state where they do.
e.g.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-dura-ace-7900-10-speed-cassette/

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-dura-ace-7900-10-speed-oe-cassette/