The OP edited the post, we don't know what real story is, if this even happened. Somebody seems to opening new ones in this "story"
With the image retention issues and returning like 17 times I'd give up and go for the Air. It is thin and light and I've not heard a single report of screen problems. It sounds to me like they rushed the Rmini to market without resolving issues.
Seriously, anyone who has returned 17 minis should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. And they should be forced to make full restitution to apple for the cost of selling a brand new perfect product as a refurb because some mentally ill person returned something 17 times