This is an interesting situation where cool minds prevail. Set your argument aside for a moment and let’s see how it develops. I think Chas is right and Doc raises some very good points, as you do yourself. You expected your Tub to meet “merchantability” standards.
Let’s get our cards face up on the table and see what road they take. The product should meet some level of standards (pardon the pun). Hot Tub and Cover were purchased together to do a job, and they were expected to perform as all hot tubs that are made level. After all the purpose of the cover is to insulate and seal heat in. Clearly, your pictures represent evidence of heat loss. Take some pics of the ice build up.
It would be nice if the warranty simply kicks in and gets everything done.
“….a little pressure of threats and bad publicity can go a long way…” I am sure your right, but, is that the right way to achieve the desired result? Hopefully, this doesn’t go there. Let’s see.
“....I expect an uphill battle…” that may be, but let’s not expect to start there. This all hinges on what is to be determined by Coast and the direction they take.
As Doc says, let’s see how this plays out.