Thanks Static... much appreciated... this is what the local store said they had for stock
Our current units in stock have the following serial numbers: 88000***, 88001***, 9800****, 9800****, 9800****, 9800**** & 9800****
which all appear to be much shorter, I think at this point I'm wasting my time and energy, it's not my responsibility to ensure an item bought in a store is not defective, they shoulld have already determine if the items they had need to be fixe prior to sale and telling me I can get the part and fix it myself kinda torqued me anyways, not at this price...
I'll order one from hamstation in the morning, they're confirming their units have the upgrade, have free shipping, no tax so will be $50.00 cheaper..
I tried to support local brick and mortar but at some point they have to help themselves, if they know they have product that potentially has issues they should have sent it back or done the upgrades, thanks everyone, mods feel free to lock this thread.