Have a couple of Loops and have not been disappointed by them. With the mid flex action you described though some of my older Philipson and Winston's as Don mentioned would also fit the bill. Some of those old glass rods where gold.
I wonder if it may have been a staff member that used it for a time. Just because it hasn't been registered doesn't mean it hasn't been used. I would put pressure on upper management for another machine. Was the box and machine sealed when you got it?
Its open and doing well I was in there today. There are a few shops in Calgary South that I dearly love but this one is close to home and has a great selection. Not sure if they have a web site as yet.