I did a little asking around before I laid out money for an engine
welder, 40 years ago. Without exception I was told that Miller welders
were definitely lightweights that wouldn't hold up under use. I finally
chose a Hobart over Lincoln because of local availabilty. I sold that
welder this summer, still in excellent condition, to a commercial
welder. He is very happy with it.
Any local company that treated me like you were treated would never see
another penny of my money, and I would make sure that everyone I know
had the same information.
The company I bought the welder from was my primary supplier for over
40 years. Several other welding suppliers opened up and went broke
using the same policies you described about your Miller dealer.
Bugs