Sorry to see you got another duffer, Gareth. As already said, I'd take the refund and chill out for a while, based on what I've just read. Perhaps new EBMM aren't quite what they used to be. There are plenty of great basses out there for that kind of money but, instead of going custom, perhaps you'd be better off finding one which meets the standard you're looking for and buy off the shelf. Maybe a day out in one of the better bass shops over there?
Anyway, hope you find the right bass.