I haven't read your saga yet, but I will later tonight when I have more time.

Our fridge is a Hotpoint from Sears and has been fine for the 3-4 years we've had it.

MANY of the once well known reliable name brands have since purchased unknown foriegn company brands and slapped their own lables on it. Many of the once reliable Kenmore name brands may actually be some unknown forigien company bought out by Kenmore and just has a Kenmore label slapped on it.

Always do research and check reviews before buying any expensive appliance/furniture/electronic item!

Hope things get better for you.