Quoted from benheck:That's Stern using replacement parts as a profit center.
Why can't node boards be repaired?
it mainly because the skill set and tools needed to repair surface mount are a little more specialized. I'm pretty new to surface mount, not against the tech at all.
I've found that getting part numbers to these tiny parts is a lot more difficult then the larger components (with the part number usually written on it). It's like pulling teeth trying to get information sometimes. There are ways to find out what the part number is by form factor, measurements and how it looks, but it'd make it so much easier if they listed it on a sheet or something. Maybe there is an easier way to fine out part numbers, but I don't know it.
With spike it seems like there is a veil of secrecy, so your forced to buy replacement parts when needed.