jamesgangnc wrote:

Control boards replacing mechnical controls statistically is more
reliable. Any time you replace moving parts with electronic ones the
outcome is generally better. It also allows for more features that
would not have been possible otherwise. It is also cheaper to
produce. Don't expect it to change.

It is cheaper to produce. Period. If they sold replacements for corresponding
prices, it wouldn't be such a problem. Older, mechanical controls were virtually
immune to surge damage short of direct lightening strikes. The "modern"
electronic parts are obviously not well enough designed to claim equivalent
immunity. They could be, but that costs money.