Here's the resolution - after almost four weeks of wasting time and nerves, I finally got a replacement GoPro9 unit. Just received the package from UPS, new unit boots up fine, I only wondering whether to have the camera updated so that something does not go wrong again since I do not have the nerves to go through the whole ordeal once again.
Anyhow, I can confirm what I've written in my previous post - the overall customer care system with the inability to get connected via chat or phone is horrible, but the support agents are doing a good job.
I hope that this is the last post with problem that I write on this board.
