Q: Replacement needed

This morning I backed up my iPad to get it ready for a reset and a restore. It's been a while since I did a reset in order to improve performance. The backup went smoothly, the reset went according to process. The iPad2 started up with the Hello screen and I swied to gain access and start the setup. I enetered my language, my country and my WiFi network. After this the Replacement Needed message appeared on the screen. I forced a software and firmware update in DFY mode. The same outcome. The iPad2 is now a paper weight. It has been working perfectly for about 2 years now, but after an Apple process it was rendered unusable and completely worthless.

How does this happen Apple? I even took it into my local Apple iStore and they also didn't know what to do about the problem. Looking at other Apple forums, this has happened to a few Apple users with very little help from Apple. I ONLY buy Apple because of the big brand support, but that's kind of rattled my belief in the brand as my brilliant device is now 'n shiny paper weight.

What do I do now?