No wheels on this case like the MODX8 case has (I believe).

That's all true, but the nick on the body is on me, happened during transport from the gig. 

They can be pricey but even a small bump in the wrong spot (knob, slider) could put you out of action and require a costly repair. That is always a tricky trade-off to have to make.

I'm using the YSCMODX8 case. Best case in the business, bar none. Perfect fit for MODX8, pretty good fit for Montage M7, although it's not designed to handle the extra weight.

I grabbed the handles and slung it over my shoulder the way I have done with the MODX8 countless times, but with the added heft of the Montage this motion ripped the fabric where the handles are stitched to the sides. Still usable, but needs to be managed with more care when used with the Montage.

That's all true, but the nick on the body is on me, happened during transport from the gig. 

They can be pricey but even a small bump in the wrong spot (knob, slider) could put you out of action and require a costly repair. That is always a tricky trade-off to have to make.

You bought it new.  Regardless of how it arrived, that's what you thought you were getting.  Someone in the chain is going to make this right.

Software licenses are the easiest of things to accommodate.   

And it was used before you got it.  You haven't done anything but honor your end of the deal.  Use it until Feb 2nd.  I'd still swap it out unless you're really happy with everything this one is doing including, in retrospect, how it arrived.

That's all true, but the nick on the body is on me, happened during transport from the gig. 

It's okay, though. I'll reach out to them closer ot Feb 2 and if they're cool, great. If not, this will be my last big purchase from them.

What's more there's a sizable (1/4") nick in the top of the keyboard, must have occurred during transport on from the last gig, so I guess they could deny the swap just for that 

They probably could. Or you could argue with them that the nick was there when you got it. Then it becomes a 'who blinks first' sort of thing.

I'm not gonna do that. It's not right, and I'm not a good liar. 

The unit you have should be on warranty from the date you got it so if you are happy with it you could just keep it.

That is one of those unfortunate things that no matter what you do it isn't going to feel right. That's when my dad would be telling me to put my 'big boy' pants on and worry about something more important! Never did like hearing that.

Your dad is right, though :-) I registered the M7 and activated ESP. This is it for me now.

Software licenses are the easiest of things to accommodate.   

And it was used before you got it.  You haven't done anything but honor your end of the deal.  Use it until Feb 2nd.  I'd still swap it out unless you're really happy with everything this one is doing including, in retrospect, how it arrived.

What's more there's a sizable (1/4") nick in the top of the keyboard, must have occurred during transport on from the last gig, so I guess they could deny the swap just for that 

They probably could. Or you could argue with them that the nick was there when you got it. Then it becomes a 'who blinks first' sort of thing.

That's what I get for being reasonable. Anyway, guess I am gonna download and install that ESP now and see what happens.

It might be worth a phone call to see if they have an update on the new unit for a swap.

Otherwise it looks like it's down to one of two things:

1. the swap happens, despite the nick, and the new owner will need to deal with the issue or

2. the swap doesn't happen because of the nick or because the dealer wants to 'nick' you for some bucks to cover the difference.

In either case any issue reregistering the ESP will be for the new owner, if any, to deal with and if YOU are that new owner you will already have the ESP.

The unit you have should be on warranty from the date you got it so if you are happy with it you could just keep it.

That is one of those unfortunate things that no matter what you do it isn't going to feel right. That's when my dad would be telling me to put my 'big boy' pants on and worry about something more important! Never did like hearing that.

So two weeks later, still no confirmation in writing or email. 

What's more there's a sizable (1/4") nick in the top of the keyboard, must have occurred during transport on from the last gig, so I guess they could deny the swap just for that :-(

That's what I get for being reasonable. Anyway, guess I am gonna download and install that ESP now and see what happens.