That sucks you're out a rod. Perhaps you should have accepted the offer but what's done is done.
I purchased most of my Loomis' under retail, saving anywhere from 25-100 per rod, by purchasing them on sale or dickering with the tackle shop owner. If the rod breaks, I have no problem paying for the expediter service, even if it's manufacturers defect. The money I saved buying it on sale pays for the service.
But then again, the warranty is not why I by Loomis. I have yet to break one on a fish in over 22 yrs of using there product. I'm not saying it doesn't happen because you're proof that it does. I just use them because I like them so I buy'em.