Jerry, I have to agree in this day and age with cameras being on everything... Cell Phones and Laptops included there should be ZERO reason that you don't have a simple photo of the "dead" Critter.
I've bought from Ben's Reptile auctions and when I was in a different state, my room-mate had a DOA. They ACCEPTED cell phone quality photos and she KEPT the body till the photos were sent and they approved her credit. So the fact they took cell phone quality photos gives you NO excuses not to have taken a simple picture.
If I lived close to Ben's store, like you apparently do, I'd have quickly taken the animal back to the store when I saw first signs of any illness. If nothing was done, which I highly doubt would be the issue, I'd have taken the poor sick guy to a vet. There is no reason for this critter not to have seen a vet when it "got" sick.
Ben and his staff have always been so understanding and helpful when I come to them, and this has all been via computer... as I'm not really a phone person, and everything been explained or handled quickly. So if you had called, they WOULD have done something not wait till the "sick" animal had died.
You left his store with a $1000 animal for ONLY $100, yet you say you could have left with the animal WITHOUT paying anything. If this had been the case, would you still have asked for a replacement animal or try to get $1000 from him?? I think the reason you left the store with the reptile and put a down-payment on it, was so you could come back and ask for money or a replacement reptile.
I PERSONALLY, would never ask for a reptile without paying for everything in full... no matter how trusted I was by the seller. It just would not feel right in my mind, and I wouldn't feel like it was my pet/baby. My Reptiles are my family, if one is showing signs of sickness they go to a vet... even if they're under a warranty. I'd call/email the seller first, and ask what they want to before I go... cause some might even cover the vet bill if it can be proven it was sick when it left their place or happened during shipping.
If the seller offers ANY type of health or Live animal warranty; you should know, as you've been in business for years apparently, to keep the body or to provide photos.
The fact you are bringing up a VERY touchy and emotional issue for Ben, his staff and everyone else involved... this just makes me never do any type of business with you. I have been bullied before and I don't like seeing it done to people who are not in a state to be bullied. There is something wrong with you, if you even think it is okay to bully and threaten them with an issue you know nothing about; but what media has said. Grow up.
I read the other BOI as well, I was going to comment till I saw the time-stamp and decided not to... now I wish I had since I saw that well before this one showed up.
Sorry felt I had to add in my few cents.