Why I don't think I'll ever return to vinyl - brief rant

Actually no CD could ever be AAA.

I am not a vinyl guy. I have a half decent turntable and a half decent cartridge and a mid-fi at best phono preamp.
 

Clearly you are on the fence. Quit while you are ahead. Buy a really good digital network player.

I buy Vinyl using similar methods to the method being made known have been used, but do buy in a way that ensures much improved remuneration for the performers.

I have not purchased as a direct merch, but via Bandcamp or a Crowd Fund venture. I have not felt the need to try to return an Album due to quality issues, but have received one Album that I was of the view was not pristine as a pressing.

If returning Albums is a thing, which it should be if quality is a concern, I find Amazon makes this very easy for their customers. 

I know your frustration — the worst is buying a brand new album and the quality is so bad, it’s painful to listen to. Unfortunately, I’ve received too many albums in that category but I refuse to let it beat me! When I get those, I send them right back.

Which brings me to a suggestion; I have gotten to the point where I will only buy from really high quality vendors — Music Direct, Elusive Disc, and Acoustic Sounds (my favorite where 95% of my albums now come from.) Their selection of remastered or re-issued titles is outstanding and, in my experience, their customer service is truly Best in Class (literary.) I can’t say enough good things about them. 

I lean towards releases from their sister company, Analogue Productions, but will buy one of the other audiophile labels they carry if it’s something I badly want. And for pure sonic bliss, I’ll treat myself to one of Analogue Productions’ UHQR box sets — I’ve never come across any other labels that even come close to these box sets for near flawless sound and excellent production values (their goal is to manufacture perfect records.) You’ll never find a rough edge on these. And the jacket creations so closely match the original version, it’s difficult to tell them apart.   

And in the small chance the product doesn’t meet your expectations, Acoustic Sounds accepts and coordinates returns, it’s simple and with no questions asked (like the “Send us an audio recording of the deficiency” or “Send us 5 pictures of the damaged product”. By the time you go through all their hassle, it’s not worth the  time (which I’m sure is what they’re counting on.) And wait until you see Acoustic Sounds shipping — it’s amazing. I’ve never received a shipping box that has a hint of damage. They are so good, I save all of them (much to my wife’s consternation)   for re-use when I sell records.

So, despite the frustration you have from time to time, don’t give up on vinyl. For all kinds of reasons, it’s still the best medium for my ears. (YEMV)