Two-Year Return Purchase Requires Prior Authorization from the Returns Department? (more below)

I purchased a portable AC unit from .com about 4 years ago. Before purchasing, I spoke with several phone support agents to make sure it didn't fall under the 90-day return policy (as some computers, camera equipment, and major appliances do).

I was assured that the portable AC had an open-ended return policy. It's the peace of mind I appreciate in Costco's return policy. Chances are, nothing will go wrong, but in case it does, Costco has that beautiful open-ended return policy (or so I've always thought). It's why I purchase from Costco Vs. BestBuy, Amazon, etc.

I would have returned the item when it initially stopped running (over 2 years ago) if anyone at Costco support had told me that I could set up a pickup, but no one did. I was under the impression that it was entirely up to me to get it returned to the local warehouse (which is why it sat in a closet for the last 2 years).

Getting it to the local warehouse would be a huge challenge, but I've also seen warehouse personnel get very angry when a customer attempts to return anything not purchased at that exact warehouse. Any .com purchase isn't welcomed as a return at warehouses (despite what Costco phone support agents say).

A week ago, a warehouse cashier told me I should have (still should) arranged for the AC unit to be picked up. I spoke with support today to initiate the return. The agent said that Costco's (newer) return rules & regs state that if an item was purchased over 2 years ago, the return requires authorization from the returns department (and customers are not allowed to speak to the returns department for clarification)... we just have to wait for contact.

Question: How long has the Two-Year-return authorization-thing been in place at Costco and why is this the first time I'm hearing about it?