Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I purchased this iron in October of 2006 primarily because of the high ratings it received from other customers. I received the iron from Amazon and was initially very impressed with the iron and it's product features. However, every time I ironed, the soleplate would build up a dark brown scorched residue that immediately began staining my clothes. I followed the manufacturers instructions and wiped clean with a plain moist cloth, but the next time around...same problem. I called Black & Deckers "Help" Line and was connected with a Representative who listened to the problem and presumed that my iron must be defective and would gladly exchange it for the exact same model. I followed her instructions including sending in a portion of the plug, a letter addressing the malfunction, and a check for $7.50 to cover S&H. By the way, I was very polite and understanding throughout, these things happen. About 3 weeks later, I received a "new" iron on my doorstep. No outer packaging, just the iron with a shipping label affixed, in a crumpled box. Not my original iron,, by the way. Not only is it not the original iron, but this model has about half the satisfaction ratings the original model had. Many complaints of leaking. To make matters worse, it looks like it has either been used or reconditioned. There is a large chip in the side soleplate, and scuff marks all over the bottom. Naturally, I called B&D and was informed that they are allowed to "substitute" a model if the original one is not available. I quickly responded that this was never conveyed to me in our initial conversation (Honest!!). B&D proceeded to tell me that should I wish to return it again, both the return and re-shipment will be at my expense. What if I want to try it out, but then decide I don't like it? Well, then I'm totally out of luck. It must be returned in the original packaging and in the condition I originally received it, as bad as it is. Once it's used, I forfeit the whole deal. A big company like Black & Decker should not be playing these kind of games. I purchased this iron in good faith, and I do believe there was a defect of some sort with my original iron, but don't tell me you're going to send the same one and then replace it with an inferior model. Oh, I plan to try to use the replacement, but if I'm disappointed, I'll go back to the Rowenta Models. Stick with what you know and trust. I thought that was what I was doing when I purchased this Black & Decker. Never again!!