Progressive has a "direct competitor" for the SurgeGuard 35550. It's the EMS-LCHW50. Hardwired, "on unit display" and the only "remote capability" is the additional "remotely connected bypass switch"...
https://www.progressiveindustries.net/ems-lchw50
I have the 30 amp "sister unit" to the EMS-LCHW30. When I bought mine, the price was $99 while the "display unit EMS-HW30C" was listed at $269. At that time, the 50 amp "sister model" was listed at $149, significantly cheaper than the "current model EMS-HW50C, which was, I believe, $130 more. Sort of: Older technology in "outdated" products that still work, but without all the modern conveniences."
The functions, protection and information are essentially the same, just "on the face of the unit, not a convenient display"...
I installed mine with a "window to view the unit display" in a lower cabinet face and have had no problems with it.
From what I can tell, the "unit display models" were the first to be produced and then, as competition grew, one company came out with the "remote display" and the other followed with their version....
So, I'd guess the dealer had an "older unit on the shelf that wasn't moving" and he saw an opportunity to move it off the shelf.... Will it work for you? Yes, just about like the remote display unit, but without the "readily viewable status panel"... Sort of like black tank sensors, but for power input, not "powerful output"....
To me, what happened to you is similar to going to the Ford dealership, ordering a 2021 F350 with power mirrors and the dealership delivered a 2020 Chevrolet 3500 without power mirrors... Competitive product but without the ability to see behind you or power-fold the mirrors to get into the garage.....
Here's how I solved my "need to see the front panel" issue with my Progressive EMS-LCHW30.