Garmin Forerunner 10 GPS and Strap

I purchased a Garmin Forerunner 10 some time ago and regularly updated the software. After my GPS failed to find location (and also I was told that the wrist strap fell off without any part of the watch breaking???), I took it to a Garmin accredited dealer (NavWorld Ndabeni/Maitland). I expected to pay a fee to have the GPS unit and strap repaired or replaced. However, being told that parts are unavailable/discontinued and that I have to purchase an entirely new watch from the Forerunner series which costs more than R1000 extra is exceptionally disappointing. Does Garmin entirely disregard previous versions of units and expect zero problems to an extent that they don't provide replacement parts? Or are units designed to only last until the warranty has expired?