So, if I understand this correctly, Specialized sucks because they would not give you a refund on a pair of shoes that you put your cleats on, your stinky feet in and then rode your bike. That's like asking for a refund on underwear. Get a clue. No one would do this.
REI would....I've done it.
I wanted a pair of SPD cycling shoes for commuting that would *not* allow the cleats to contact the ground when I was walking (e.g, no scratching or "clicking" when I walked with cleats in). Salesmen said he understood what I wanted. Sold me some Pearl Izumi whatevers. I went home, punched out the insert in the soles, put cleats on, and rode them to work twice. Was not able to walk in them without having the cleats come in contact with the ground. Took them back the next weekend. REI refunded my money, cheerfully.
However, in some of the incidents cited above, it's not clear to me whether the responsibility was with the *dealer* or *with the company.* To me, the dealer ought to stand behind the product, and then he/she can fight it out with the manufacturer for a return.
One reason I do a lot of business with REI is the "no questions asked" return policy, no matter what brand you are buying from them..