I think (hope) the story is now over
After a few polite back and forth emails with Jeff, as he realized what a journey it has been to get to just replacing a unit so I could fly my airplane, he offered (and I accepted) to have me KEEP the loaner ELT1000, and yesterday I fedexed back their ELT345.
I've still got nothing good to say about the mid-level customer service experience...each time a lower (great) person handed me UP to the Customer Service Manager, progress stopped. Each time Jeff handed me back DOWN to the same Customer Service Manager, progress stopped.
Needless to say, if SHE worked for me, she would be available for employment on the competitive market.
That said, Jeff did what he said he would do, and I've got a legal (and upgraded) ELT in my aircraft. I hope it gives me lots of years of trouble free service!
Scott