Why can't I get a replacement keyboard key from Apple?

Question

Rant version
I was delivered a new 15 inch Macbook Pro with Retina screen with a broken 'V' key (literally, just the black plastic panel has a small broken clasp). I was unable to get a genius bar appointment anywhere within London Zone 1-2, Regent St, Stratford and Covent Garden all just tell me there are no appointments available. I called the Apple store in Stratford City to see if they could order a new 'V' key to the store so I could pick it up and click it on. They suggested I call Apple customer services as they wouldn't be able to help me unless I booked a Genius bar appointment, and obviously they had none. I was informed that I would have to send the entire machine away for at least 5 working days and then wait for a replacement to be shipped out. This is a total P.I.T.A as I have already started important projects on this machine.
I managed to book a Genuis Bar appointment in Bromley (30 minutes drive from my house) and called to see if it would be possible for them to order the part in and fit it on the day, during my appointment. They said I would have to come in, just to show them the machine, and then they could order the part using my serial number. I asked why I couldn't just give them my serial number and come in when the part was delivered. They said that the telephone operator at the store could not make any sort of contact with the genius bar, regardless of the fact they are in the same building.
I'd like to point out that everyone I have spoken to have been extremely nice, and understood my frustration, they just haven't been able to do anything that goes outside of their very limited protocol.I find it unacceptable that a company as powerful as Apple, are unable to post a keyboard key to a customer.
As a computer enthusiast, this is the easiest and most simple problem I have ever had with a machine. It has also been the most common-sense defying process I have ever had the misfortune of being a part of. If it were up to me I would just pay the £3 for a replacement online, but Apple have changed the positions of the clasps from the unibody model by about a few microns, and I don't feel like waiting until someone decides to scrap a new RMBP.
I don't mind if Apple don't want me to do the repair myself, that I may need to go through the enigmatic ritual of the genius bar to get this done (heaven forbid anyone but a Genius click the 'V' key on). I don't even mind if it takes a couple of weeks for the part to get there, I just want a replacement key, stuck on this laptop, without wiping the entire machine or sending it away for a week.
Short version:
If anyone knows where I can get a replacement 'v' key for the new 15inch Retina Macbook Pro then I'll love you forever.

Answer 1

Yes it is sad but true I think. I EZprint to do my pano's and they turn out excellent. Give them a try.
http://ezprints.com/Prints/panoramas/default.aspx
Hope this helps.
Tom
desertdreamingphotography.com