I've always thought the whole idea of virtual reality is strange. Why would I want to experience the world through VR when I can experience reality instead? I suppose there are exceptions where it makes sense. Maybe if someone is physically incapable of having an experience, or the risk is too high, but for the most part I derive more joy from actually going outside and doing stuff than playing a video game equivalent.
I've had this happen multiple times. I have, on a few occasions, received defective products, or requested to return something I didn't want, and Amazon simply refunded me or shipped me a replacement without asking any follow-up questions.
I suspect Amazon's decision process, when you request a refund or return, may have something to do with your purchase history, and also the return and defect rate of the product in question.
If you have moving subjects (i.e., people in a public place walking past) you can take multiple shots and finagle it with your preferred image editor. Other techniques using variations on this, or just simply copying/pasting from other parts of the image (clone tool).
To each their own, as they say.
By the way: great post.