What is up with ecare? Can't get replacement from them even within the first 30 days?

[Procter]

I know that some people got YMMV situation when trying to get a replacement or exchange out of 30 days. Recently, more and more ecare reps just kicked you to local store right away, claiming that they can't ship out phones now. But even for cases within 30days?

My diamond had this protruding cover and sticky d-pad problems, but I do like the slim design. So I requested a replacement diamond to ecare, and got emails like "go to store, your account is not eligible for applying charges etc". My account does not even have a spending limit! My local store got their hands on diamond more than half month later than it was available online, and I've heard that it might be a few hardware improvements in newer batch of diamonds (i.e. Heat sink? less physical defects etc?)

Two questions for you guys:
1. If you got replacement within 30 days, did ecare people give your hard time, makes it like a hit or miss case?
2. Does the newer batch of Diamond really look better in terms of physical defects and stuff? I mean d-pad and uneven cover, bleeding light etc.

Thanks a lot.

[violent31601]

just call and talk to a rep, I seem to get better results that way. I was able to swap mine out 10 days after my 30 days was up, but decided not to after all and just got a replacement battery insted

[lxcivic4life]

I had the same problem. It seems like they dont want to help you and would rather send you to a local store. Then when you go to the store, they'll tell you to call customer service and ask for a replacement. I would call customer service and tell them that the reps at the store couldnt help you and told you to call customer service, that will force them to send you a replacement.