Yes. It seems as if many of us were "stuck" with the replacement and we're not happy either. Of course, one would like to think she's getting what she paid for, but it's a little sticky when you'r watching the video and saying, "why does it look so easy, why is my so much shorter?" and you we don't know if we're just being a sissy about it (everything looks easier on the DVDs, right?)
I think a few folks have called customer service and have been able to order the "real" cord without charge. I suspect we're better off going to a sporting goods store to buy one that is higher quality.