Higher support I thought was where I was going to get somewhere. I contacted support, got the usual canned answer run around with long delays between replies, then got advanced to higher support. I tried again a few times in case I had made a typo. I opened the sealed key holding packet (has a black R* seal on it that was not damaged) and entered the key. I opened the box, did the three hour install (7 dual layer DVDs) and got to the point where I entered the key. On Boxing Day (Dec 26th) I purchased the last boxed copy of Grand Theft Auto V for PC (Brand new, they do not sell used) from a Staples in Canada (there is only one location in town).
