@MC, I'll rephrase it: EVEN your base captain could have done it. The OP didn't mention the base TRE denied doing it, only that passed the problem to HQ (probably s/he feared of getting sacked if HQ found out s/he was facilitating a resignation). Also a BC is still above base TRE in the food chain so it wouldn't really be circumventing him/her. What they are not allowed anymore is to certify logbooks - they've put a stop on that and can get in trouble indeed and only HQ can do it now. A lawyer/solicitor could do it as well, handy if you have those people in your friend circle. Worst case, pay at the Post Office or as the OP did.