Actually, he was correct. In most cases anyway. Both my RR and a friends RR shipped without the numbers in the video display and both of us had to put our game numbers in ourselves.
That being said, I know JJP was keeping track of numbers at some point because I tried to get machine 805 (anniversary date) but they told me it was already assigned. I got 915 instead (wife's birthday).
That blows that they somehow doubled up game numbers on you. Did you buy direct or through a distributor?
EDIT: You answered that last part as I was typing it. He must not have recorded it which sucks! I bought from his daughter directly and she took the time to look up the assigned numbers. Hopefully she recorded mine.