Product warranties are worthless

In my experience, the fine print usually says something like this:

Return the item in its original packaging. Attach your

• sales receipt (notarized),
• proof of purchase,
• proof of citizenship,
• affidavits attesting to your good character from three elders in your church, and
• a 2000 word essay explaining why you think we'd be interested in fixing the item.

Be advised that we are not responsible for damages to the item arising

• from accident or misuse on your part,
• from shoddy material and workmanship on ours, or
• from an act of God.

So, when our camera died while we were at the beach last month, I pretty much thought we ought to toss it in the trash and buy a new one. My smart-aleck son-in law had a different idea. After checking Canon's web site, he decided that we could mail the camera to the manufacturer -- no fuss, no muss -- for repair. We did so about a week ago. Yesterday, FedEx brought us a package with note that began:

Since repairs are not performed on the camera model you sent for repair, we have shipped a new or factory-refurbished product to you . . .

Yeaaa, Roger!