Sorry to hear about all the drama that you have to endure when you just want what you pay for. There is another option, and I just put it out there in case of a worst case scenario. Get a hold of Mudhole and buy the replacement guide, and have it installed. I’m a rookie rod builder but I’m excellent at copying something I can see. I know I’m not alone in that too. It would be more money out of pocket but you would get the rod to fish with in the end. Hope it works out for you.