Not sure what the problem was, but when I called the store they said they had my model in stock now and I could come down and pick one up.
Went over during lunch with you can imagine how much skepticism. But, 25 minutes later, after a few conferences with managers, phone calls and lots of computer keyboard tapping, I walked out with a brand new, fatory-sealed pc.
Thus ends, for once and for all, the story.
…or does it?
😉