I don’t agree this is an “absolute joke”. Adding options to update the firmware adds an attack factor that needs defence. The entire idea of the key is that it remains untouched and cannot be altered. It also is far cheaper to replace keys than the risk and security needed to fix firmware issues at least on larger scale. Most users will not be capable of doing an upgrade anyway.
When freitan’ key were pwned (A Side Journey to Titan - NinjaLab) I also had to replace the hardware in the past. There is no reason they should allow you to do replace it for free, unless it was recently sold I guess. You buy tech to the latest standards, with the best effort. Not a lifetime guarantee.