Mine arrived in mint condition.
But I'm not sure the story has a completely happy ending. My extreme paranoia forced me to buy the iMac through Apple, which was about a $50 premium plus the tax I'd have avoided through a third party seller—because I figured Apple would deal with any potential issue better than a middle man company.
So yes, I paid a quite literal Apple tax, positively reinforcing manufacturing issues with my dollar. Please be a stronger person than me.
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Unrelated footnote: and the mouse sliding on my desk feels akin to nails on a chalkboard. I may have to go with the trusty Logitech I have sitting around.
DISCUSSION
When you buy something from an online place that does not charge sales tax, you are still required to file and pay a "Use" tax.
You did the right thing.