Already a lot of data points, but FWIW I had the same problem. I purchased two sets of speakers to compare, with the understanding that I'd be returning one of them. When it was time to return I couldn't get a hold of them for over a week. Since it was fairly expensive, like the OP I started to think, "Not getting that money back. Now what the heck am I going to do with two sets of towers?" As above there was the usual happy ending - speakers are awesome and I got the return processed.
I'm not sure it's COVID, whether they cut back staff due to supply chain issues, or whether they've ramped up their alternate badging business and only give the 'Axiom' line one day a week. Or maybe all of the above.
