I would roll up the yarn and take it back for a refund. That is way too many joins.

I agree. I don't like to see any knots in my yarn, but if I get "ONE", I know I can't really complain. Somebody's got to get a knot. But 4? I don't think so.

Thanks for the advice. The not so helpful owner of my LYS made no offer to replace it when I questioned her, but I think I'll go back and complain more loudly.

If there is an address (snail mail or web site) on the yarn band, contact the company directly also. They need to know how the manufacturers of their product are messing up on the job. Over the last few years, I have written to three different yarn companies with comments/complaints about their products. They have been unfailingly helpful - LionBrand replaced two faulty balls of yarn (yarn in small, loose pieces inside the ball) with 3 balls of fresh, perfect yarn.