I got an email in response to my question if I'll get a brand new unit as replacement for my brand new defective unit. This is Entourage's response:

This sounds like something that needs replacement, not repair. However, we can't guarantee anything until we see the unit. If the unit is replaced this early, it is replaced with a new unit.

I normally think well of others and is rarely skeptical so I find this a little encouraging. Makes me think about shipping again. I, however, would like to hear other perspectives. Remember, this is a month's food budget in the dead of UK winter I am contemplating of sacrificing. I apologize for sounding so cheap. But anybody who did full-time postgraduate work on a scholarship would understand my dilemma I think.

I'm a little concerned about the "If this unit is replaced this early". Does that mean that if my defective eDGe sits in my closet any longer without being used, it will be another story? What happens to the one-year warranty?