As someone who has experience in repair and RMA.

If the defect is cosmetic, and can be repair by a simple and a few minutes of work, I would recommend diy or send to repair center for a 5 mins job.

Asking for a brand new unit is .....

Of cos. Its your hard earned money, but, we have to be reasonable.

No, I don't know storm 88 nor I have a grudge on ts.

Seriously.