Not sure, Robert. However, no matter how good they were at scamming and convincing the RMA people, I think it would be a tough sell to convince them that, say, SIX V3 processors all needed to be replaced, to the same address, all at once.
If it were the same issue as the Article you linked, I'd like to think that Cisco had gotten wise to this some time ago.
Okay- for you SysAdmins: if you have a server/cup/expensive router die, from any of the major vendors, can you honestly tell me that they do not require *anything* but your word to a help desk tech before they send out replacements? If not, that's nuts. (Or, have one of their onsite people drop off replacement, and pik up dead one-- even if he takes a sledge to it and throws it in a dumpster (err... Uses a responsible recycling option!)
Maybe I am a little too much on the "prove it" fence- but I cannot imagine calling a company like Cisco about a 5k switch, asking for a replacement, and not being expected to supply SOME sort of proof of possession, not to mention, destruction.