i dont get what the problem is with the 50-34? do you just not like the big chain ring? i absolutely love my compacts, but i do a lot of shifting between big and small rings. anyway, i think you've so far gotten good advice, but it's just hard for us XX chromosomes to be confrontational. but pay for a new cassette that you didnt even ask for?? no way. i agree with the frank but polite response - and tell them to put it back to the way it was.