Thank you for all the comments, both from those who agree with my actions and those who do not.
Just to clarify, I don't think I threw a "hissy fit" because the Mac was delayed. As I said several times, I've been waiting for this computer about 5 years. What's another few days? My current Mac Pro is still running well, especially after I upgraded it to an 8-core with 64 GB RAM. I suppose my frustration came more from all of the irregularities in this order:
- Initially, after doing my part and paying for this machine, Apple/UPS said, "Good news! Your order has shipped and will deliver by January 9, 2020." (Expectation created.) It did not arrive. (Expectation broken.)
- When I realized something was wrong with the shipment, UPS told me to call Apple to resolve it. (Expectation created.) They did not. Instead, they made it worse by putting a "Hold for Pickup" on it, which I did not request. (Expectation broken.)
- In one of my calls, the Apple Specialist made a big deal about sending me a coupon for my trouble. Even though I told her I don't want it, she insisted it was the least she could do. (Expectation created.) I never received that coupon she kept talking about. (Expectation broken.)
- One nice Apple Specialist went ahead and ordered a replacement for the one that was lost and kicked around by UPS throughout the West Coast. She said it would be expedited and sent Next Day Air. (Expectation created.) I received a shipment notification that shows it was just sitting somewhere for three business days. Not only that, but the shipment was sent UPS 2nd Day Air, not Next Day as promised. Not only that, but Apple couldn't tell me if this was actually shipped or lost somewhere. (Expectation broken.) I canceled my order.
It has just been too much up and down for something as simple as ordering a product and having it delivered at my doorstep. I've ordered many Apple products throughout the years and nothing like this has ever happened. Maybe we're now used to pain-free deliveries because of Amazon and their excellent logistics (at least in my area.)
Speaking of what I plan to do, I was thinking of an AMD Threadripper system last night, which is gaining more stability and mainstream acceptance, especially from Youtubers showing the process and the potential benchmarks. As I pondered that, my parcel tracking app flashed a notification that the replacement (which I canceled) had shipped out of the factory. Immediately, I called Apple and asked if they had found the package. The nice Specialist said it seems so. I told her I wouldn’t cancel after all, as long as there is a tangible package on its way. It's scheduled for delivery soon, but I've learned my lesson: no more expectations. If it comes, great, and if it doesn't, life will move on.