Here's another update from the original poster...

Contacted Sony again today. Since my flash was only 3 to 4 months old, the buyback they're giving me is %100. So, I paid $300, that's what I should get back. Should take about 2 weeks. She checked on getting me another rebadged Sony flash, but they could not offer that to me, which is fine. I'll take the money instead. I'll advise when the check from Sony arrives.