I never accused anyone of throwing a tantrum. It’s a general statement as I deal with it frequently for my day job. You have been very level headed, however, society’s attitude today is generally very entitled and childish towards problem resolution.
Pointing out the individual costs just make things clearer (or should). Yes, your account is out $1200 but an entire fourth of that was shipping and that would factor into the return costs so could affect the decision making process in regards to the resolution path. I do find it very odd that the majority of the respondents throw all blame to the manufacturer and completely ignore the shipping companies. I see equal responsibility there.