Hi Glen & Peter
I seem to have hit a few nerves with both of you so I am sorry as my comments weren't meant to be a criticism of anything or rude to anyone.
There is a lot of debate going on right now about the pro's and cons of internet businesses versus traditional bricks and mortar stores - far bigger than our microscopic market of astronomy gear is concerned.
You are both absolutely correct that it is easy to pontificate that we should only buy top quality when most people are on a limited budget. This circumstance however applies to all walks of life and consumer products and it is a decision everyone has to make for themselves.
If I can add one point which everyone should be mindful of when buying anything with a legal mentality of warranties etc and that is the word "ENFORCEMENT". Yes - we have all sorts of lovely legal principles and doctrines but enforcing your rights is a different matter altogether and this, more than anything else, is why I would recommend a physical store when having to deal with the practical realities of remedy.
Once again Glen I sincerely hope & wish you have a good outcome from what is clearly a very unfair and plainly wrong situation - but this doesn't obviate my experience that I have never had such circumstances befallen me because I have always saved - no matter how long it took - and only bought the more robust products.
This is probably why I only read about such complaints but never have any basis to make such posts myself.
I wish you both well and clear skys and fingers crossed on seeing ISON
