WOW! Wonder if the person who told you this happens 'quite often' still has a job??? I've never heard of this happening and I'm 65
Iron-wise, although I've never had a Rowenta and I do read comments about people who like them, I've read too many negatives about them for the price you pay. I have loved a Black & Decker digital advantage. After many years of use (including use by lots of people at retreats) it has started to leak. I wouldn't hesitate to use the one they sent but suggest plugging it into a power strip and turning the strip off so there's no power to it when not in use - or simply unplug it every time. Anyway, congrats on the creative solution to the damage and for winning a ribbon for the quilt!!!