Update: After finally receiving an email in reply to my "WTF now" email from Husky's "customer no service" department, I brought the saw into the local dealer here.
I had the main body of the saw and the "jug" with me. Their repair guy listened to my story, raised his eyebrows and said, "I don't care who you bought it from. If you still have a receipt, Husky will stand behind this as it wasn't assembled correctly. I bet they will give you a new piston, jug, and the missing C-Clips. Go back and bring me all of the parts of the saw and we'll get it taken care of for you."
Right now I think this is a minor victory in my favor. We'll see what happens....
I said, "Thanks" :yourock: and walked out.........
:biggrinbounce2: