When and how did you lose productivity and not have the ability to return the device? From day 1, Samsung and the carriers have made it extremely easy to return or replace the device.
Entitlement; that's all I see in this thread.
Best Buy, 2 separate locations in PA, would not accept the return as they had no SKU in the system for the item (this was Monday, Sept 5th), nor would they refund the amount despite having my GF on Google Duo video call whilst speaking with managers at each Best Buy location, with her showing her ID (again through Google Duo), and having the receipt in hand, as well as the same exact card (hers) the unit was purchased with, as well as my own (shared bank account/same account numbers) that is also on the same account. Samsung would not accept it via mail, i wasted 7 hours on the phone and driving around instead of working on ad campaigns or consulting with clients, which i charge quite a premium for. As the unit was purchased at Best Buy, an AT&T store would not accept the return either (also Monday), though this was a small, non-corporate store. I am also 2500 miles away from my S7 Active, which is due to arrive Monday, as a replacement.
I am not seeking damages or monetary compensation in any capacity, although there are several statutes and precedent cases concerning such issues i could easily pursue, but merely a way to return the device that does not further inconvenience me or impede my work further, risk our health and safety further, or cause me further undue stress or duress. Your time is valuable; whether it be work time or personal time, and MY time is valuable. The situation is a mess.
My initial comment about contacting an attorney in your state was meant to convey a modicum of sarcasm; i suppose i should have indicated such. Most attorneys would immediately dismiss any pursuance or decline to take you on as a client if no damage/harm was done, and in most cases (based on the average consumers' lost income potential) would also decline to take up the case; a simple exercise of litigation economics, which i am well versed in.
I haven't had time to try again, though i will Monday, but only once my S7 Active (which i had purchased BEFORE the Note 7 came out; Note 7 was a surprise gift from my GF) arrives, i will again waste my own time to get this sorted out.
If you believe the inability to return a defective, potentially dangerous piece of equipment in a timely, effective, and clear manner constitutes entitlement in any capacity whatsoever, you are gravely mistaken.
On a personal note, and to clarify, i am not attempting to argue with you at all. I also happen to charge more for a single, client consultation than this phone costs outright, and considerably more for other services rendered. The 'recall' is not yet official; that gives WIDE legal berth to litigation or arbitration for compensation (failure to act in accordance with CPSC regulations in a timely manner, failure to provide a clear and concise return methodology, etc).
Frankly, i just want this one out of my house, and replaced with another Note 7, post haste. I l really like it, however, the onus should not (and IS not) be upon me to provide and prove the return is necessary or that the device is potentially dangerous, and i am not legally expected to expend my own time and resources to prove such, considering the nebulous and varied responses i received trying to simply return it thus far. I also laud Samsung for initiating the process, but it should have been FULLY and COMPLETELY coordinated with their point of sale retailers as well as the CPSC for an immediate stop-sale/return.