Well I'm finally happy!
Last night I stopped by the OfficeMax close to the wings place, and asked them if they had any of the advertised DVD players in stock. The lady grabbed the manager and he went back into the stock room to grab one, but said that they were out of stock and gave me a substitute drive, at the AR price of $79.99. I was thrilled and didn't even think to check the box before leaving. So when I get home I pull the drive out of the bad and the serial # started with a P, thus I was let down about getting a BTC drive.
So last night and today I contemplated giving the drive a chance, but was determined to get a Lite-on. I mean hey, how great is it to get a $200 8x DVD±R/RW for $80 with no rebate involved (although I hate tax!). . So I called another OM, and they said they had a number of substitution drives available. So I lug the BTC drive up to OM with me, and ask for the substitution drive. So the sales rep calls the manager, who goes into the stock room and grabs a drive. First thing I do is check the serial number on the outside of the box, and sure enough, it started with 482. When I get to the checkout I ask if there are more of that same drive, which the manager confirmed. So I ask if I could get another one and exchange it for the one in my car, and she says yes.
So I go out to the car, and she goes and grabs another one. I had to explain to her how, although they are the same drive, that they are different. She didn't grasp it, so she lets me open the drive from their store, and I showed her how they are two different manufacturers. One of the reps, who was a bit more computer savvy, was there observing, so I made sure to comment how the Lite-on drive was better than BTC, which he also confirms.
So in the end, I now have 2 Lite-on drives. I thought not to press my luck and ask her to check the boxes for one that says "Black Bezel" I figure it'd be easier just to buy 2 black bezels online!
BTW, I got 2 of the 811S - serial #'s 432345010483 & 482346002421