The end of my OPO saga: (Go back a page or 2 to see what happened)
So after over 6 weeks from when my OPO hardbricked from a standard CM upgrade, I finally got my replacement phone.
After a string of 30+ emails, waiting to schedule a remote tech session, dealing with unclear return shipping instructions, and more delays and hoops after it was sent back, I have a new phone.
This is the biggest problem with Oneplus. Most other phones you can just walk into any carrier store or repair shop and they can help, Apple of course being the best for that. Granted, the communication with the RMA department was friendly and prompt, but useless. Every time someone new answered, and had more BS "procedures" for me to try.
If I could have had a remote tech session sooner, it would have been less painful, but when I went to book one, the schedule was booked up as far in advance as allowed. By some miracle I got an appointment. The guy was knowledgeable, but explained how busy he is as there are only a handful of these "level 2 techs" at the company.
Like most people I'm sure, a working smartphone is vital. Waiting 6 weeks for a replacement phone (when a 7 month old phone shouldn't breakdown to begin with), is unacceptable.
But, you get what you pay for. For this reason, I won't be going back to Oneplus. I need to be able to take the phone somewhere locally; it's a dealbreaker. And an expensive, stressful mistake. But, I suppose that isn't as much a priority for some people.
On that note, I do have a brand new, in box, Sandstone 64GB for sale. PM if interested
*EDIT: SOLD