[Elsdebo]

Similar situation going. Curious to answers. 
I'd say you are safe, especially if you pick a company which doesn't respond. Finding one will be the difficult part.

Have you heard of any cases where PayPal holds the money after a claim?

I already know a few companies that don't respond I was planning on balling out and then just closing the account after

After a claim? I haven't.
I remember that Paypal sometimes freezes money if they detect a sudden change of behaviour. Like in your case, where you go from a few bucks to a few thousand. I'm not sure if this was about a brand new account or not... But there also apply rules to this and this money will be automatic released, so if the SE is good it should not be a problem. PP might hold funds for 30days (waiting for reply from other party) and then automatic release.