I would like to chime in again on my situation since I started this thread. I was in contact with Stuart and he has done more than I would have expected related to my issue. I still have never had a problem with any other part of my AQ except the casters going bad but that is a wearable item as much as I was wheeling mine out and back in.
I agree with Old Sarge's statement that items can't be warrantied forever. My biggest problem was the incorrect information that was given to me on two occasions. As I said Stuart has resolved my issue to my satisfaction and then some.
I still kick around the idea of a gravity fed Charcoal or a smoker that can use 100% wood or the Charcoal but the AQ isn't going to be leaving my lineup at this point. I have also ordered a Kamado Joe Big Joe III to see how I like it compared to my BGE.
Doug