OK, here's a final report to (hopefully) close this issue out. After contacting Forest River and Dometic, I am very happy (and surprised) to report that Dometic replaced the Rdome! It was on our doorstep two days later and in time for a weekend camp out this coming weekend (with rain expected). Careful inspection of the roof fabric showed some very mild lightening of the coloration where some of the creases are but the coating looks to be 100% intact. The seams are also well sealed and I don't expect any issues.
I still don't have any answer re: what happened to the original three year old but NIB Rdome but it was refreshing to find that Dometic supports their products so aggressively. Good on them! We love the Rdome and it was disturbing to consider abandoning it.
Paul