The irony in all the issues over 'Refurbed items' is that most returned items sold as a refurb are actually either opened and returned with no use or used for a very little time and returned. This also includes items that have packaging damaged during transit.
Secondly, you would be surprised how often 'new and sealed' items are in fact repaired before being sealed through manufacturing issues leading to any items in any specific batch needing to be tested and fixed etc.
As for the 'past 30 days' only being offered a refurb replacement, don't see an issue in it. Especially with items that can be easily damaged in such a short time. PC components are a prime example of this, accidental knocks and bangs during installation, poor airflow in case leading to high operating temps, poor quality PSU, pushing OC's too far ...... the list is endless. By offering to repair the card instead of replacing with new, it gives companies an opportunity to inspect the item and look for signs of user error, this may seem unfair to most genuine users, however it is common practice for people to try their luck after breaking something. The same goes for the reason for asking for payment on advanced RMA's, they need to cover the profit loss on sending a working card that potentially is replacing a user damaged item.
As mentioned previously, it is pretty much industry standard, especially with higher value items. We can only realistically blame all the idiots who send back items they have broken themselves looking for a free replacement, damaging the companies that are always being slated for this practice.
. I suppose you get a new cooler on it at least considering how its almost impossible to remove dust and buildup from a used one.
