This is true. We have a decent-quality Mitsubishi unit that's 7 years now. Last year, one of the main boards died. Living in a country with strong consumer pro

This is true. We have a decent-quality Mitsubishi unit that's 7 years now. Last year, one of the main boards died. Living in a country with strong consumer protection, I was able to argue my way into having Mitsubishi cover the cost of a new board, I just had to cover labour. If I'd had to cover all the cost, it would have been more than 40% of the cost of a new unit, and then you start asking yourself if it's worth it. Even though the marginal cost of the main board is likely below $50, the replacement ones sell for close to $500.