Cable modem diconnects DAILY from XFINITY

Smae thing happening here.  CM700. Purchased 6/24/2018.  Wasn't sure if it was the Xfinity signal, the router (also recently purchased), or the modem.  After several hours on the phone with tech support (both netgear and Xfinity) it was determined that the modem is faulty.  Ok fine.

BUT Netgear requires a credit card number and a payment of $17 to ship out another modem.  I am sorry but no other company that I have dealt with requires you to provide a credit card number when their product is faulty and under warranty.  On top of that, I live right down the street from a Netgear office.  I have tried to get resolution from Netgear but they will not budge.  There is an option where I can send back the faulty modem, and once they receive it they will send me another.  I asked how long I will be without Internet if I choose that option and they would not say.  They said it would be shipped from Tennessee!?!

Thing is, I live in San Jose California, in the heart of Silicon Valley. 

The representatives on the phone will not budge, so the lost a long-time customer over a pos, cheap modem.

Has anyone else complained about this replacement policy?  I am filing a complaint with the FCC and Dept of Consumer Affairs.  This is terrible customer service.  If I broke it, fine, I'll pay for shipping.  I did not break it - it came to me broken.  Netgear should fix it without screwing it's customers.