So here's the time line on the fan saga: (1/2)

10/5 - Fan starts failing in the morning. I call System 76 tech support. They agree that it's a bad CPU fan that needs to be replaced. I'm up front about my upcoming travel and the need to get this dealt with before I leave the country but that's still far enough off that it should be fine.

10/10 - I still don't have a tracking number and someone on the support ticket suggests not sending the part until I'm back. The shipment had already gone out.