I completely understand you feeling you shouldn't have to pay GLoomis for a defect in manufacturing. I'm not disputing that in any way or form. My only purpose was to point out the potential $$ lost if you used the Wildcard for something that is clearly a manufacturing defect.
Using the same example I posted before, if you break the rod by shutting a car door on it, it will not qualify for a warranty repair or replacement. Assuming you had a cooperative dealer, using the Wildcard, you'd get a brand new rod without paying any money. If you did not have the Wildcard, you would need to buy a new rod from a retailer. NRX rods start at about $400.........
As Gary said, it is completely up to you how you choose to use the Wildcard.