Let me chime in on this real quick from a Retailer standpoint.
Toms Bronco either receives this part directly from the manufacturer or from a Wholesale Distributor. These two companies would be considered the "Vendor". Toms Bronco is the "Retailer"
What you are asking is for either the Vendor/Manufacturer to respond to this thread but is the whole point of them being what they are. It is the Retailers job to take care of the issue unless otherwise noted on the part.
From a retailers point of view, if a customer calls with an issue the first thing they would do is collect your data and then start the customer service resolution. Sometimes they have to speak to vendors that may not respond in a timely manner. Sometimes the retailers know this and try to solve the issue for the customer first then take it up with the vendor.
In your case, it seems like TBP tried to take care of you. Had you called them first before sending it off for repair maybe the situation could have been dealt with. But come on man 6 years later?
Here is an example of the flow of distribution for reference.
Have good day.