X2 - Bobby has always been nothing but helpful when I've talked to him. @87cclR you may want to ask for him directly.
I'll try that, thanks for all the help
EDIT -had a discussion with a different rep as suggested, I now have a credit with them; he was super helpful, offered to replace the arm, but I really want to get this build going and another week or two is more than I can bear, lol. I'll fill the gouges with epoxy and dab over it with POR15, done and done. Looks like the LSR rep I spoke with previously was an isolated incident. Thanks to all, your advice and help was appreciated.