I sent mine in the middle of November 2006 and got it back at the end of the month. It was the same unit although at that point I couldn't have cared less. I'm thinking the name of the subcontractor was Palco?
I hear you about the warranty scam, I've been beaten into the ground by similar circumstances elsewhere. That's interesting that they want your money and won't give you an ecredit. Seems more appropriate, but then my bank still holds most of my deposits for 5 days. This in the age of electronic instant transfers when I can go to any atm and get money, after an instant surcharge.
Good Luck.

Peter