It looks like the Santa/the'Birthday Elf' (Xmas Eve birthday) will be bringing me an H2O; my sister and brother-in-law were pleased to have shopping solved so easily.
On the advice of a friend I have contacted Kobo online customer service with my problem and a couple pictures in the hopes (albeit a long shot) of getting it replaced with a refurbed HD. If they do it I'll be very happy I didn't open it and if not, well there's always the possibility that someone here will be looking for an otherwise in good condition HD for parts and/or a cover. Considering I got the HD and official Kobo cover here in the flea market for about half what I would've paid new I'm not out all that much either way.