Dell Passes the Buck
Well, I got a reply to my message:
Dear Mr. Wallach,
Thank you for choosing Dell Online Customer Care.
I apologize for any inconvenience this issue may have caused.
In order to verify if that is the wrong item sent, please contact:
Software and Peripheral Sales: 1-800-449-3355 Extension: 63805
They can properly assist you with this concern.
In any case that you received an incorrect item. We will then process a credit return transaction for you as well as a pick up from Airborne Express.
As if a return won't screw up my rebate!
Meanwhile, back in FW land, there's some hope. It has been reported that "Chandler" and "Cathy" (Dell Forum Mods) are "working as hard as [they] can to get a resolution for the warranty and controller card. Should have something later today."
There's still hope.