ORIGINAL: siclick33
The initial request about the availability of the part wasn't about cost but about time. I didn't want to send the unit overseas to have it sit in the repair queue if I could fix it at home.
The difference with when the repair was done was that, before, it was just a 'cosmetic' fix and I would have been confident to re-use it. I'm not too happy about using it now it has had electrical components on the board changed and I'm a bit funny about things like that. I think I might buy a new unit instead.
From everything you have said it is reasonable to assume the manufacturer thought you were qualified to do the repair. Certainly, despite what yuo say, there is a way to get into the unit without tearing off components. Perhaps they should have made it clear - but it really does fall on you to insure you know what you are doing.