My thinking is more often than not, people simply walk away and just give up figuring it's a lost cause. I will play their game but I won't give up or in until I'm satisfied. I would have sent 1000 emails if need be LOL! The ball is definitely in their court with luxury items and IMO they assume that if they wait it out long enough or say no we will give up.Ugh that sounds terrible! I'm glad they eventually did right by you. Any company - especially luxury brands - should just do that right away, I don't understand why they make you jump through hoops to get a decent item when they were in the wrong in the first place.
I once received a Chanel bag (ordered sight unseen) that arrived with 2 very minor scuffs. My SA was so apologetic and my return was processed right away no questions asked.