While it is possible that he/she has Unpaid Item Reminders automatically set and that a case will open, wait until after the 15th and you get that Combined invoice that you asked for before you pay. In the highly unlikely event that a case would open AND close (eight days total) without payment I am certain that ebay would wipe any strikes from your account due to these circumstances. The 'please pay' reminders are automated. There is a way to shut them off but your seller probably didn't think of that before he or she left on holiday.
Please don't hold that against him communication-wise. Also, when you're leaving DSRs for handling time, please don't forget he was away when you bought your items.
