I can't believe the rep said that! Did you ask to speak to a manager? If I don't receive courteous assistance I always ask for a supervisor - it helps ;)
I have a Friskars that peeled but it peeled about 4 yrs after I started using it.
May I make a suggestion? I purchased a June Taylor mat and have been as happy as can be - no peeling, no lines left after cutting. The surface is not smooth and the mat, itself, is a bit thicker than Olfa or Friskars, so maybe that's the secret. It was well worth the price - used a JoAnn coupon :thumbup: which then made it 40% off the normal price!
Just my 2-cents.