John,
The one shown being held by Chris whatshisname has the original truss rod, accessed from the body end.
As far as them (the shop) 'holding' the guitar for a few years, nothing would surprise me like that. I know the Marquee was (is) a big seller in UK, but it didn't take off in Australia, and they do pop up for sale 'at a bargain price' after having sat in a shop for a while out here with no interest shown in buying. Maybe Jet Black wasn't a big seller in UK -another reason why BURNS may have discontinued that colour? The guy you spoke to at BURNS may have not been with them when the Jet Black option was available perhaps?
In any case, you do have it now!
