Tmac, consider that some of us choose where we buy our gear based at least in part on that company's "return policy". Places like REI, Backwoods, et cetera use it as part of their marketing. We usually pay a little more for the goods, precisely so that we retain the option of returning the item if it's unsatisfactory. That premium price seems to cover the store's cost for dealing with the returns.
This is all the result of an agreement with the retailer in the form of THE RETAILER'S stated policy. Lots of stores won't take back a used item. It's just a different business model than theirs.
It would be wrong to return an item based on deception on the buyer's part, but there's no indication that he's planning to do that.
There's plenty to dislike about Americans if you're really inclined to do that, but in this case you're off-base.
Incidentally, the most prolific used item-returner I know of is an Italian living in Texas.
I now return you to your regularly-scheduled gear thread.