But I wish I didn't have to ship it back! I don't want to do without it!

When I was having problems with Video1 Rec/Out (that a reset eventually fixed), Outlaw generously offered to ship me a loaner while my problem was being fixed. No mention was made of who would pay shipping for the loaner, but I found the offer generous nevertheless. In the end it was not necessary.

FWIW, my 990 does not exhibit the problem you describle.