I bought a couple of Padme (cartoon network) maquettes from CN.com last month and I opened one a few days ago. Unfortunatly the first one I opend has both knees cracked! I opened the other one and its fine. When I contacted gentle giant ltd. they quite frankly sucked heres the short verion:

ME:
Hello, I recently purchased 2 padme maquettes from cartoonnetwork.com, I opened one of them last night and there is some really bad cracking and chipping around both knees, it was sealed tight and taped in the stryofoam, there was also a baggie covering the mid section down. When I examined it both knees were cracked and the left knee is so cracked it looks to be bare metal underneath, you really cant hide it. I contacted cartoonnetwork and they have sold out of them so only a refund could be given, which I would rather not do. Is there any way to replace or repair my padme? I have not opened the other one? I would rather have a cracked one than none at all I guess, I have all 4 of the other maquettes and they are all perfect? Has this defect been reported by anyone else?

GG:
Thank you for your email.

Please see our return policy - We haven't heard of this problem before.

ME:
Ok so I should go with the “purchased through gentle giant” part even thought I bought it at cartoonnetwork.com? That was not much help. Should I send photos? Should I open the other one and check it? SOME assistance would be appreciated?

GG:
Thank you for your email.

Unfortunately, we are sold out of the Clone Wars Padme maquette and can not offer a replacement piece.

ME:
That’s it after 3 emails? Fine, I guess I will take this discussion public, theforce.net , milleniumfalcon.com and rebelscum.com will all have posts about this HORRIBLE support and to find out how many padmes are defective. Thanks for nothing, I will consider NOT buying any gentle giant in the future since this is the “support” I will get.

Did i go overboard? Would you feel the same way? What should I do; Return it for the 80 bucks to CN.com, Or sell it to someone for 80 bucks on ebay even though its chipped? Padme is better than no Padme?

Thanks for any help in advance, it would be much appreciated.
Im going to try and post some pics below

http://home.covad.net/%7Ecerebralcortex/IMG_5718.JPG

http://home.covad.net/%7Ecerebralcortex/IMG_5711.JPG

I don't see any reason why Cartoon Network wouldn't refund your money.

You only contacted GG thus far, right?

If you decide to keep it, maybe you can fill in the cracks with white paint to make it much less noticeable...but I figure it'd be tough finding the exact shade.

Well since these statues are going for up to 300 dollars I can only return it for 80 bucks. I figure since they are in high demand maybe someone would want it rather than have none, but I do have the option to just send it back.