The basis for my discontent was the apparent parallel universes. In Canada, this issue has been handled by SW, notably with an apparent "extension" of warranty period, even to "undocumented" products (they are discussed here on SB). In the United States, this isn't the case. SW did however, after some comments from me, adjust it's stance on this, offering a solution more in line with what was happening in Canada. As it is an independent contractor working in the US as the repair center, it has to cover costs regarding the repair. I'm good with that.
Point being, if I had sent it directly to SW in BC when I was up in Canada when it died, it is highly likely it would have been handled differently. Once home in the US, SW directed me to send it to the US based repair center, opening the door to the parallel universe.
Again, I understand the Repair Center's business needs, and I thank SW for assisting to remedy this.