Just break the damn thing, smash it to pieces.
It's not a waste, they're sending you a new replacement body. Destroying the broken one doesn't put you at a loss and saves you from having to ship it back to them. Break it up and take pics, maybe salvage knee and elbow joints.
I might since I don't want to pay full price for a broken body (assuming they would charge full price if I don't break it) And, if nothing else at least I'll learn a little more about how they're built. I've never taken one apart, never had a reason to yet. I can also see how they wouldn't want me re-using the broken piece on another figure to get another replacement body, I wouldn't even think about doing that so it didn't come to mind that it might be the reason they want it destroyed.
Elbow and knee joints you say? I'll be sure to try.