I understand your point, but you know all too well they dont make the inner workings of most there products and its unlikely they have the real tools to dig deep. Since we live in the age of toss and replace vs repair its not a shocker.

Even the last time ive had a bad batt or alt. form the local parts house they never even test them, just toss and give new.

But id be upset as well if it never worked right and even if it did puke out in just a year. I guess ive been lucky my tiny sport comp Autometer wide band has done well for almost 15 years but it does go through a short "set up" period when powered on, not sure if thats normal but it functions well after that.

Hope you get it sorted out.