Confused about returns and seller defects

I was doing a lot of searching and I'm finding mixed answers so I'm confused.
Does anyone know if a seller AUTOMATICALLY gets a seller defect rating when
an INAD (item not as described) return case is opened?

I read that it's an automatic defect no matter if I refund the buyer, accept the return and then refund the buyer after it's been returned. But not sure if that policy changed or not.

I thought the only time it counts as a seller defect is when ebay is asked to step in to resolve it (by the buyer)?

If I.....a) choose the "refund buyer" option or b) accept the return for a RETURN CASE opened under the reason INAD, will I be safe from getting a seller defect?

I'm confused about this because if it's an automatic seller defect no matter what I do (option A or B), then I might as well not do either option and just fight the case and let ebay step in and hope I can win it.

If I'm safe from getting a seller defect by doing either option A or B, then I will just go ahead and refund the buyer or accept the return.

How do you ask questions on here?

Should be a button that says "post new thread"

they have the right to open a case if they feel like it, you have to review the details and contact them first
try to work things out or just refund money

better contact ebay support instead creating new thread

I contacted to sellee about defects he didn't take return of the product and gave me full refund