There is absolutely no excuse for sending out a snake in that condition. If they have mites in one animal, I would assume they probably have mites on dozens if not hundreds.
1st they should have treated the animal of mites before they shipped it out to you. Nobody wants to add mites to their quarantine area and possibly their collection!
2nd That kink can be spotted from a mile away, They would have noticed it when she first hatched, they would have noticed it when they sexed the animal, they would have noticed it when the took the pictures and they would have noticed it when they bagged the snake up.
I don't care if Lori offered you a sterling female as a replacement to try to make things right! I personally don't care how big they are and how much they have done for the herp community. That animal needs to be donated as a pet to someone, not sold off hoping the buyer doesn't know any better!
Thank you Rebecca for posting this thread and sharing all of your documentation as proof. I have seen some smaller breeders that have been black-balled here for far less.
P.S. I am certain you will love your new Pewter girl! You will see her on Wednesday
-Jason Weinrich