My buddy is selling a 30th Anniversary Stingray (obviously just a 'H'), pretty much mint, one tiny dent I think. A fair bit less than what you paid new.
I have to say I would also never buy blind, I have trouble buying a bass that I haven't tried at a gig, let alone one I haven't seen at all.
Glad Darren @ Bass Merchant is on top of it though.
It sounds like you should take the refund, follow up your issues with EBMM, and look elsewhere.
I tried a lovely Sadowsky Metro in The Gallery a couple of years ago, £1600 then, but lovely bass!
Si