Review on Nikon NIKKOR 500mm F/5.6E Pf ED VR Super-Telephoto Lens with AF-S Technology by Jermaine Rhodes

I rented this lens before buying it and was delighted with its size/weight and sharpness. After being constantly delayed since its release, it went on sale again in November 2020 and went on sale for the first time at a $300 discount. I finally decided to pull the trigger. The disappointment started when I opened the box, the Nikon packaging had a corner chipped off, although the packaging box looked fine. As I unpacked the lens further, I found 2 cosmetic scratches on the lens hood. After discovering these issues I called the seller, he offered a discount on the issues but encouraged me to try the lens. After testing the lens for a few days, I couldn't get sharp images like the rental copy. Not sure if it's just a bad copy or if it has been corrupted. It's a bit suspicious that the lens was no longer reserved everywhere but was in stock at the same time as I believe when it first went on sale in November and has sold out again at most retailers. Nikon sales are still ongoing, but this lens was discontinued on November 30th. Unfortunately the seller only offered a refund not a replacement which means I can no longer get the selling price. I returned the lens as it obviously has a problem, but this is very disappointing given the extremely positive experience I had renting the lens that prompted the purchase in the first place. I'm curious if anyone else had sharpness issues with lenses purchased in November 2020.