Just read on alt.games.operation-flashpoint that replacement CDs are indeed making it out to folks.
It's worth noting that Codemasters didn't acknowledge a problem until March 7th, 2002--no way in hell they could have recalled any bad CDs in September (the Gold Upgrade, much less the full Gold Edition) didn't hit US shelves until after Dec 25, 2001. I'm sure of this because I was searching REALLY HARD for the gold edition at the time so my fiancee could buy it for me for Christmas.[:D]
The bug does NOT affect any European version (which hit the shelves in November 2001--still two months after the date you're quoting.)
See the Avlon Lady's FAQ item on this at [url]http://www.theavonlady.org/theofpfaq/trouble/faultygoldcd.htm[/url].
BTW, I'm of the opinion that Best Buy, as the retailer and point of sale, should make this right. Their stated policy is to accept returns on defective software/media (which this is) and the fact that they do not have any WORKING copies in stock to exchange should not relieve them of this commitment. A retailer with better customer service would make you happy. (Hell, even Walmart would take your side on this one, you know.)
Don't worry though--once you get past this heartache and get into the game, you won't regret it. :)
(edited because the board code can't handle news URLs.)