You answered your own question. EULAs are often not strictly enforceable in many countries. Hence the "to the fullest extent permissible by law" phrase that keeps popping up in them.
Not to nitpick, but I remember an interesting case where the EULA was only available after opening the software... which made it ineligible for return at the retailer.
So? I purchased my kitchen appliances from a retailer, but went to the manufacturer's warranty when I needed repairs, even though the retailer has my money.
You made an agreement with the retailer- software sales are final. You make the EULA with the publisher/manufacturer/etc- you seek compensation with them.
It's really hard to return software, especially after it's been opened, as the retailer, who don't have anything to do with the EULA, are (rightfully) protecting themselves against people who install/copy the software then return the physical media for a refund.
For software acquired from a retailer. Microsoft provides limited support
services for properly licensed software as described at (aka.ms/mssupport).
If you purchased the software from a retailer and are seeking a refund, and
you cannot obtain one where you acquired the software, contact Microsoft for
information about Microsoft’s refund policies. See (aka.ms/msoffices), or in
North America, call (800) MICROSOFT or see (aka.ms/nareturns).
I don't want to! I simply want my transaction to be governed by same laws as with physical goods. Where they don't tell me what to do with my purchase.
> A few years ago (>|decade?) music sales and video games were final at my local BB because they assumed you just burned yourself a copy.
Most places I've shopped just say something to the effect of no returns on opened merchandise. No mention of why. I assume you're assuming what they're assuming.
I don't like returning, generally, unless the product really didn't meat expectations. However, I've never had a problem returning opened hard merchandise.
> Would a big retailer (Best buy, say) accept the return of software whose seal has been broken.
Probably not. However, if you read a EULA, you will notice most of them have a clause to the effect of "if you disagree with this EULA, you can return the software" and AFAIK its usually with the company with whom the EULA is and not with the retailer (eg if you buy Microsoft software, the EULA (and therefore the return if you disagree with the EULA) is with Microsoft and not Best Buy).
EULAs were inflicted on the rest of the world by US (which has common law system) and are of questionable legality in many countries.