UPDATE: After posting on newegg.com's facebook page, I was contacted by a representative from the company. His title is Public Image Professional.
I wrote an email to him explaining my predicament in greater detail. He stated that he reviewed the account and "it was notated that the item was already defective when you received it". He decided to make an exception to their policy in my case and they approved the RMA. Replacement product has been ordered and is on the way.
I am satisfied with the outcome but still unsatisfied with their policy of automatically denying any claim of damage on RMA's.
As I've been told, this is the policy of many of the online retailers. I think I'll just stick to brick and mortar vendors, like Fry's Electronics (who have their own set of issues, I know)... but at least you can inspect the product somewhat before you get to the checkstand.
Thanks again everyone for the feedback.