I am ready to accept that there may be a problem with my emmc.

[djhnsn]

I have reseated it many times since I got it a little over a week ago, and inspected the sockets with a microscope. I didn't see anything obviously wrong. Thanks for the link.

You're welcome.  You should be able to get a replacement eMMC module, the one you received is clearly faulty.

Regarding the compatibility with eMMC modules other than those sold by Pine64, I think that a few forum members have reported succecss with some of the eMMC modules sold by Odroid, with a Samsung eMMC chip.  Unfortunately, that's all I'm aware of.

I opened a ticket, hopefully they agree, and replacing it works out.

 I will do a little digging on which of those odroids is compatible. I saw them on amazon. 

Thanks again.