While I basically agree with your comment, I'd remind you that $36 is a considerable price in some places.

Sure, but if you can afford a $1000 unut, you can afford a $36 repair.

Also, even at $2/hr the time spent seeking a cheaper alternative has already exceeded the price differental.

Many spend waay too much time "saving money" and end up wasting it instead. If you plan to make a bunch of units spending time on comparing solution/price makes sense, but for a one off (which a repair is) it does not.

I am aware that in Farawayistan the ratio component/labor is different and affect these decisions, but noting is good in excess

Erik