OK, Fast forward to almost the 2 year mark. Tuff Spa's did eventually get their manufacturing in CA to come up with a solution to the lid issue and sent me some replacement parts. I do have to install them myself, but my spa 'dealer' is gone (out of business), so that is not their fault.
Then out of the clear blue I get a note from them. They noticed my negative Update and wanted to know if everything was resolved. I told them reasonably so, but now I have another issue. I was an early adopter of their 'Painted' (to look more like stone) panels. Less than 2 years in the west and south panels were faded and peeling. So I sent some pictures.....
Even though their spa's have been redesigned and manufacturing moved from California to Prescott AZ, they said they would repaint the panels. Luckily I live in the same area (35 miles away) and was able to bring them the panels and pick them up.
So the spa looks great again, and hopefully now they have the process perfected and they should not fade as much or as quickly. In Phoenix AZ, the sun fades EVERYTHING, but I hope we get at least 5 years this time!!