Gideon,
You are RIGHT ON THE MONEY!

While waiting to return items at HomeDepot, I have seen SO MANY PEOPLE
try to return items just like you've said. Used on one job and return
it to get their
money back. Its about time that they say no more.

Nobody even thinks that when they cost the company money by taking back
rented equipment the money is then made back by jacking up the prices
on everything else.

There is nothing wrong with getting your equipment from small engine
shops, just because you bought it there doesnt alway mean that the'll
service it right away either. Around the first snow storm, they're
bombarded by the usual people who leave gas in the tank all year or
who never lubed/tuned it up. Serves ya right for not testing the unit
sometime before the first blizzard hits!