Illuminated reticle useless - Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm Rifle Scope, 30mm Tube, Second Focal Plane

When I received this scope, I was satisfied the all of the features, except for one; the illuminated reticle was extremely dim, indoors. The red dot was barely visible at the highest setting, "11". Outside? I couldn't see the red dot at all. I tried several other new batteries, in case the one included with the scope was bad. Same result. I contacted customer service at Vortex. I was told in an e-mail by one of their representatives that the scope was designed that way, for use in "very low light hunting conditions". He also gave an excuse that illuminated reticles are more difficult to integrate into magnified optics, as opposed to reflex sights. In my reply, I asked the rep why this was not mentioned in Vortex's product description, nor any other retailers' descriptions (in fact, the illuminated reticle is barely mentioned)? I asked why other manufacturers had perfectly usable illuminated reticles in their magnified optics? I asked why this feature was included at all, being only useful under very limited conditions? The response? Crickets. He stopped communicating with me. A follow up e-mail from Vortex asked whether I was satisfied with the service I received. When I replied "no", I was told another rep would be in contact with me. More crickets, no response.
I appealed to Optics Planet for a refund even though I had exceeded the 30 day exchange/refund period, based on my issues with Vortex. OP customer service reviewed the issue, and refunded my money. OP customer service was outstanding, and that is one reason I have been a customer for many years.
I will never purchase another Vortex product, based on the way I was treated by their customer service, and the way the rep tried to dodge questions about the one feature I complained about. I know other shooters who own Vortex products and are very satisfied with them, however my first encounter with the company, will be my last.