Today I had a service agent by the name of Bill A. He was professional, informative, patient and explained everything to me as he was doing it. He didn't try to sell me anything. At one point I was a little frustrated about a miscommunication regarding the warranty, but he kept his cool and was patient while we both made calls to gather all pertinent information to complete the transaction. He left the space cleaner than when he found it. I truly cannot say enough good about this man. He is amazing. Him being a representative of this company gives them a better name. He took the time to explain how to flush our water heater and a schedule to do so. I wish all service agents were as kind and patient as he was. He will be the first person I think of for ANY future plumbing needs.
Follow-up: We have had this new water heater less than 24 hours and it is superb! The old one was so loud that we could hear it refilling all the way from the kitchen (the water heater is in the garage at the other end of the house). The new one cannot even be heard through the wall behind it. Whatever Bill did, it is even better than we could have imagined. 10 *'s.