If you have a T3 and they're going to replace it with a T3, I think that's satisfying the obligation with regards to warranty. Now they're wicked polite and they're not going to say so outright but IMHO I'd be okay with that if it were my rod. Since the Hydros replaces the T3 in their line-up, I'd also be good with that since they are, IMHO, a better casting rod than the T3.

Everything evolves and I think the expectation has to be so when you purchase the rod. It would certainly be a challenge for them to replace an eight year old rod with an eight year old rod.