here's my opinion: IPX7 guarantees waterproof. If it fails for this reason, send it back to the manufacturer. IMO, if they have real customer support, they should take the unit back, warranty or not, and replace it.
You are partially right in assuming that but the warranty won't be worth a soggy power bar if the unit goes out on you halfway to Fernandina and it's getting dark.
Garmin has been good about warranty stuff. It's just that you can't get it taken care of till after the race.
