Hifirookie, you just resurrected a decade-old thread. I rarely log on to this site these days but your story is a sad one. I have been told about these stories before. Instead of restoring the equipment to their original state, some of these bad technicians actually did a shoddy job - poor soldering and unnecessary modifications etc. However, it’s quite astonishing to have the manufacturer’s rep doing that to their own gear. As you have mentioned, it’s a disgrace.
I hope you would get that sorted out soon.
I hope you would get that sorted out soon.