I don't expect them to say anything except "Here's yer money." It's not their fault. The product number and UPC are correct for the 24" bar. I just don't know whether the factory made an error in packaging or if the error is systematic.What does whomever you bought it from say when you bought the subject up with them?
I like your thinking.Bar scabbards is all I use and I tend to use Stihl ones on any and all saws that do not have an original one because in the grand scheme of things they are dirt cheap for the quality when compared to other options I have.
If you spend the time with a file to get your chains spot on before transportation- a scabbard keeps them that way when you get to where you are cutting. Rest of the saw can roll with the punches for transporting- they are not wrapped in bubble wrap during use and tend to pick up a few battle scars/wear/grime that way rather than during transport. Tools not heirlooms.
I like your thinking.
Another solution I'm considering is one I've seen... A hunk of wood in the pickup bed and let the saw cut it's own slot.
I'm not cheerful enough! But I do have a bunch of cedar logs I could trim to fit the bed of my truck.If you drive a pickup and want to be just like Billy Ray when you grow up- perfect!