@dosgeek622 I've read through this thread and you seem to be getting caught up with "what if's". This platform offers a MBG to all buyers. All you need to do is follow the procedures for a return, which will get you a refund. You only have one opportunity to open a return and you selected what is considered a remorse return reason. Because the seller offers free returns, yes they will have to accept your return and provide you with a return label. HOWEVER, because your return is now considered a remorse return, the seller is allowed to keep the original shipping amount, plus up to 50% if they deem what you returned to be different from what they purchased. So it can become complicated a tad.
What you have going for you is that the seller hasn't officially accepted your return, which they must do. So I suggest you stop messaging the seller and wait this out. Seller has 3 business days after you opened the return to accept it or then you can ask eBay to step in.
The following is from the MBG page:
Deciding the outcome when a seller doesn't fulfil their return policy
When eBay steps in on a "remorse" return request and the transaction meets our eligibility requirements, we will look for all of the following:
Evidence that the buyer and seller have each met their return requirements
Proof of return delivery, if the item was being returned
If we determine that the seller did not fulfil their return policy or did not meet their other return requirements, we will treat the case as if the item did not match the listing.
If we determine that the buyer did not meet their return requirements:
The buyer may not receive a full refund for the item and/or for original or return shipping costs, or
In the case of an exchange where the returned item was not delivered to the seller, the buyer may be charged for the additional item
