I would send it in, just as Jerry suggested. That's the purpose of having back-up rods. Also, if you choose to sell the Rod it gives it credibility as to the quality and performance that the buyer or user can expect. For me, the performance of the Rod I use, helps to determind the quality of the fishing experience as a whole.
_________________________

Whoever undertakes to set himself up as a judge of
Truth and Knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter
of the gods.

-- Albert Einstein