Well, just as an update..
I sent an email off to Astro Optical a few weeks ago followed shortly after by the offending secondary.
After inspection, Shane at Astro advised they would be replacing it with a new one as soon as it arrived from Meade..and I received it today!
All went very smoothly and hassle free (as expected)...thank you Astro Optical.
And now for some observing...hmmm damn moon