there are times when a simple "bending" of the rules would accomplish so much positive. I understand why the rule is in place, and how it protects their dealers. But I don't believe any of these dealers would be upset if they helped you out here either.
I had a local auto paint supply dealer do something similar as far as making a rule and not bending it when they obviously could. Instead they let a good customer walk who's spent nearly $10K on supplies with their competitor since. I actually mailed them copies of invoices for a while after that just to remind them of what they lost over a $30 part that they stocked but wouldn't take back due to a 7 day return policy.
Jody