Mine behaves the same way.  Apparently this is a problem with many if not most FT-50RD units.   Don't worry too much about it, ignore it & enjoy an otherwise pretty good radio.
73's, Jose (Pepe) WP3HW

Not from my personal experience.   Have purchased from theit Milwaukee, Cleveland and Orlando stores and by mail-order from their Orlando store.  Never a problem, just friendly and quick service from them.   And they better be good because amateur radio is a declining (not quite dying, but...) hobby and margins are unquestionably low.  In fact some of our well known suppliers may not survive for long in the present environment.   As with anything, you can't please everybody all of the time, and, of course mistakes are made-I've made some myself in my business and left some customers unhappy with my dealings with them.   So what else is new?   In the final analysis, the important thing is that you end up with a good batting average and AES has accomplished it with this customer in an exemplary manner.

It's perfectly ok.  AM is a bit better on my Sony ICF_2010 with Kiwa filters, also because of the sync detector on the Sony, but listening to shortwave on SSB is better on the Yaesu FT-817.  Am happy with mine.

Have one.  Great Radio; no problems.  Works as advertised.

Check Marine supply houses such as West Marine.  Solar power is extensively used in the marine environment, particularly on sailboats.
de WP3HW