I don't expect my 700 to last forever, and I'd buy a new Variax if I could when it breaks. It's not an item like a standard guitar that almost anyone can fix. Big difference between installing a pickup and trouble shooting a board. You need a bench and a book and likely some experience to do that. Can't reprogram it either unless you have the code and the software. So, it's sort of like a computer that becomes obsolete. I know we all think in terms of vintage axes, but today is different. Who fixes a broken TV anymore? Maybe some do, but likely we go out and spend a lot if money on a new one. Most electronics are throw away now. Phones for example. It's a new world for guitars too. I got ten years out of my Variax , and may get more. But since the technology keeps changing, and since the manufacturing methods use throw away parts, and since the Variax is different than any other guitar, parts will never be standardized as for regular guitars. Companies have warranty limits because they know they can't keep supporting old products forever. Example, I have a four track cassette vintage 1993 Marantz. I paid a grand for it. Try getting it refurbished today. Suffice it to say, I understand both the customer's frustration and Line 6's need to move on to new things.