yet you say that the model # is how to tell whether it is new or not
I never said anything like that!
I used the model numbers you gave us to determine both drives were from the same line of drives - Black. That's all. You said you felt the model numbers should change, not me. I said there is no reason they should change - which means you cannot tell if new or refurbished by the model number.
but Googling "WDC white label drives" produces a number of returns that seems to indicate that they do.
You cannot interpret search results that way - ESPECIALLY hits from users who rarely know, or take the time to determine proper terminology, or in the case of hardware, complete model numbers.
When it comes to technical specifications of hardware, you MUST go by published specs, preferably from the maker. If not the maker, then from reputable retailers like Newegg, TigerDirect, or BestBuy. Places that keep track of their products.
Also, note that "white label" is often used to describe products destined for OEM makers, and not directly to consumers. Exact same product, but one comes wrapped in fancy labeling and pretty box with cables, mounting screws and glossy documents, and the other comes with a plain label in a "white box" with no screws, no cables and no documentation. One retail version destined for BestBuy store shelves, the other identical drive destined to a PC builder for one of their factory assembled computers.
There is nothing out there that I can find that says WD has a "line" of White drives, similar to their Black, Blue or Green lines of drives.
Go by the model numbers and information obtain from the source, not from users posting about problems.
Obviously, WDC doesn't just toss all of their RMA drives in the dumpster, or there would be no reason for them to require their return. That must means that they repair/refurbish them and then resell them.
There is no profit in returns - even if they did resell it at full price (and again, WD is not that kind of company so let that go). It costs money for processing and handling so they want to avoid that. And the best way to avoid that is to make the products reliable.
Any reputable company, and again WD is a top-tier company, wants to constantly improve their product. But to improve reliability, they need to determine which part or parts are failing prematurely.
So even if they did end up in the trash, it would only be after a complete analysis of the failure was conducted. And then they need enough samples to determine if the failed component was an isolated case or indicate a trend. They they need to determine if the problem is a design flaw, bad/impure raw materials, shoddy assembly, or whatever.
But there's a problem. The vast majority of returns for electronics is due to (1) obvious damage during shipping or (2) buyers remorse/users changing their minds, or (3) ordered wrong part/not really what they wanted. That is, for the vast majority of returns, there is nothing wrong with the product.
Throwing it in the trash would be a total loss of profit. Re-issuing via RMA gives them some return. And something to consider is this - a refurbished drive has gone through rigorous testing before certified as good. Extensive testing that likely did not happen the first time it left the factory.
You got a drive of equal quality, twice as big, and you have a new drive warranty. I don't see a problem - and I'm a hardware guy.