Done buying new vinyl

I buy a lot of vinyl, mostly used but some new and new reissues of old stuff. Grading inflation is pretty bad- it’s almost luck of the draw. There are a few places that are almost unimpeachable, but you pay top dollar for their copies and if it is a rare record, it’s crazy money. When I go to shows or bin dive at a store, I do my best to visually evaluate, and cleaning helps, but if the record is damaged, there isn’t much you can do.
I’ve certainly had my share of new records that were horribly made- I’m not buying audiophile stuff for the most part. Many of the records i’ve been buying lately are EU sourced and come from digital files- they are reissues of old psych/prog/proto metal- the quality has generally been good, and the sonics are better than you’d expect. I’ve also had my share of bad sounding all analog records over the years too.
I try to work with trusted vendors- but even then, some stuff slips though. Thankfully, i haven’t had much issue with returns, though those are a PITA. I hear you- but I don’t think it is a new issue or worse (except for the grade inflation and pricing, particularly on sought after old pressings). If it is a 6 dollar record, I’ll just carry on- I’ve been down the road of multiple copies, even of expensive records, before I get a keeper.
I understand the frustration. I’m too invested to quit vinyl, but have started looking at digital options for a various of reasons, not the least being price of some old records.

I can't get past the thought that with all(?) modern source material being digitally recorded/mastered, a record factory and turntable make one heck of a clunky DAC.

"all (?) modern source material being digitally recorded/mastered". The "(?)" is well-deserved. Who says "all" modern source material is digitally recorded/mastered?

Just played this last night. The Lion’s Roar by First Aid Kit is a digital recording and sounds pretty good on CD (evidently a studio multi-track recording). But it sounds a lot better on vinyl. More detail, air and nuance. More emotion and therefore more satisfying.  

I buy only vinyl and quite a bit from various sources.

I say return it. (I know if the lp suffers from a poor recording or pressing issue, it isn’t the vendors fault....it isn't the buyer's either.) Returning is the only way any vendor will have a reason to improve service. I’ve had several poor Amazon experiences with the lps not being packaged properly. I’ll have to say that recently, I’ve had very good experiences. ( Could it be because of my sending the poorly packaged lps back with detailed notes?) You only have your time to lose.

I just received my copy of Peter Gabriel "Passion" 45rpm/half speed from Amazon. It was vacuumed sealed/shrink-wrapped on a separate piece of thick cardboard that was the (proper size to prevent shifting) inside of a larger box. I’m very hopeful!