Rheem SP20303A Upgraded OEM Gas Water Heater Valve & Thermostat Replacement Part - Compatible with Rheem Water Heaters for Home & Commercial Use

This 9-month-old Rheem gas HW heater failed. A plumber said it was the gas control regulator. I photo'd the label for reference. The above left photo is on the tank now. I purchased the one to the right from Amazon in case Rheem didn't honor the warranty. But, Rheem is sending a new unit under warranty with no shipping charges. Of course, I'm stuck for labor. Very poor performance on the part of Rheem so avoid Rheem HW heaters. The tech support at Rheem said that that some of those units were failing and that I would receive a "different-looking unit with a different part number. It won't be the AP15255D." Rec'd the warranty unit which is the photo on the far right. The unit Rheem sent DID NOT FIT!!! The connector is 1/2 inch shorter than the original. Added more photos. Good thing I bought this one from Amazon. AND, the plumber needed the other parts that I purchased at Amazon. Shoddy workmanship by Rheem at the consumer's expense. Avoid Rheem.