I hate to say it, but you would be surprised at how (for the lack of a better term) dumb people can be.
I mean, to the point where, they insist they did everything, and it turns out they did not have the box plugged in, or the power switch was off, or something very dumb.
It happens, sadly. However, if you are a bit more prepared when you call dish (and go thru the run through), it helps.
Namely, if you bring out the whole "the hdd is clicking loudly", or "my receiver is on fire", it tends to help a bit more (especially if that is the problem, not that any Dish receiver I've had has ever caught fire, just an example!)
And, even then, they go thru their checklist, so I suppose +1 to them for that! But after a good 20 min on the phone, and if the box is actually dead, you usually get a replacement within 2 days - they are very quick about it!