When it happened to me it was all through the initial CS agent I spoke to, looked like it was going to get replaced then a different department (can't remember which one), pointed out to the agent that it had to be a refund due to it being a non stock refurb. Never asked to speak to anyone higher up.
Certainly reckon you'll get better service from CS than in store.
Ah, alright... I think I can only try my luck once I got my MBP on hand. Never the less, thanks for the helpful advices!