Well, darn... I don't know if I am glad to have discovered this thread - or not! I was "THIS CLOSE" to buying a Pact for use as a timer AND chrono, but now... well, darn.
It gives me gas to hear about this type of "customer service" - as I am in a service industry myself, and I value the customer. Obviously they aren't sending out direct replacements even if your Pact is 100% brand new, because they must KNOW the unit they'd send would also be coming back. Not good.
Although it pains me to think about it due to the rave reviews of the Pact as a timer, I guess I'll have to look at other timers, as that is my #1 need. I'll just keep bumming my buddy's funky chrono when I need one. Phooey.