What a lesson learned the hardest way. I feel for your issues... The short cuts, the response from the company that was responsible for the cutting... and the lack of understanding by them that driving 40 miles each way to make a return just adds to the burn! I also feel for the LQS .. poor products impact future sales , they stocked the item on good faith that they were indeed as represented. Seems like the company that orginally cut and packaged , and sold the goods is the only winner in this scenario. Speak to them in the language they understand ... $$$$...don't purchase their goods.
I do have sympathy for your situation .. finally getting to a project with so much anticipation .. and then this kind of let down.