Sending back 3rd replacement --defective out of box

I bought an R260 (1/07)to replace an HP1215 (loved it) which died. Since I had a d-SLR, I thought the R260 would be useful. The inks produced very nice prints, but when they indicate low, you must replace them immediately or printer is useless. So you are stuck with stocking 6 cartridges @$16. A month into using the printer, a cartridge went low. It was replaced, but unit still would not work. I took it back to CompUSA (extended warranty) and it was replaced (2/07). Recently (8/07) when turning on the printer flashing red lights necessitated a call to Epson tech support. Unit was deemed to be defective and a replacement FedEx'd out. The new unit arrived, began commissioning according to quick start directions, and it had the identical flashing red lights condition. Another call- it was deemed foi and an offer to send out a unit "guaranteed to work" (Phillipines support center). Explained my frustrations and was connected to Epson customer relations. Only option (besides fourth replacement unit) was refund on original unit. No adjustment for brand new cartridges purchased and installed- (which did not resolve any issues)-- just send unit(s) back and refund to be made. A printer with time consuming issues + addl unusable open inks + time in support/loss of printing was my expensive lesson. Their driving away of a customer who really wanted the product to work was their loss.