Xbox One Elite Series 2 Controller Quality Issues

Hey all,

So I wanted to get some guidance / spark up a conversation.

I was so excited to take delivery of my brand new Xbox Elite Series 2 controller on Monday 4th November. It had been on pre-order for months, and all I had heard was good reviews about the build quality and robustness of the hardware. I took delivery, thought
about it all day until I finished work, then got home ready for some serious gaming.

Problem was, when I started playing, I noticed that the controller's 'A' button was sticking. I was so disappointed. Something that had reportedly been redesigned from the inside out was suffering from something so basic, so unnecessary. It didn't ease,
despite a couple of days of use - if anything it got worse - so I called Microsoft who said it would go through their exchange process and would take up to 3 working weeks for me to receive my new controller... When I said to the person on the phone that I
was deeply disappointed given that I'd spend £159.99 on a controller and pre-ordered to get it on release day, they said I could expedite the exchange for £24.99.

So, first question - has anyone else received exceptionally poor customer service from Microsoft exchange/repairs team over the phone? Is there any way I can flag this to someone?
Whilst I want to buy direct from Microsoft as the manufacturer, I'm reluctant to following my experience in this instance and in previous interactions to do so...

In my honest opinion this is just not acceptable. To spend such a significant amount of money on what is meant to be a hard-wearing gaming controller and then be told I'd have to wait that long for a replacement (whereas if I'd have bought the controller
from a third party re-seller I'd be able to take it in and get a straight exchange immediately) is just crazy. The Microsoft rep said they could put me through to their Sales team who could help. When I spoke with the Sales team they tried their utmost but
said all they could do was order me a new controller and arrange a return on the defective one.

So, I now have £320 out on my credit card whilst I wait for the return of the first controller to be processed. So I take delivery of the second controller and I'm pleased to say that the 'A' button is functioning fine. Unfortunately, however, I'm suffering
right analogue stick drift...

Second question - has anyone else experienced any hardware issues with the new and improved, built to last Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller straight out of the box?

Both of these controllers have been from
Lot No./Date 1942. A friend has a controller from Lot No. / Date 1937 and it has been fine.

This has seriously put me off going for a third controller. I'm now going to have to return the new controller and wait another week or two for the refund to be processed. At this point, I've lost all faith....

I'd be grateful for some feedback from other members of the community to see whether I have been particularly unfortunate or whether this is something others have experienced?

Many thanks in advance for your help.

Sam

:)