IKEA Footstool Defect, and Refund Hassle

I purchased a footstool extension from IKEA, but two of its legs are not touching the ground. While IKEA acknowledges it's a factory defect, they insist that I bring the product back myself for a refund. I'll have to travel 250 km round trip, spending both money and time due to their mistake, causing stress and exhaustion. Despite being a loyal IKEA customer and furnishing my entire house with their products, their response to the first issue is disappointing. They justify their policy because the product is of low value. This implies that their higher-priced items might not be guaranteed either. However, I won't hesitate to escalate this matter to IKEA headquarters, including on social media.