Monster Cables (or any other with a 'Lifetime' guarantee) sold at my local store, the cable goes bad, I take it to the store, they give me a new one on the spot, no questions asked.

Perhaps, instead of trying to save a couple of bucks by going online, you might support your local dealer and avoid the 'tech support two-step'...?

My Monster cables (got two pair) have worked flawlessly for over five years so far. YMMV...