Because $16k is a high barrier to entry and future prospective buyers will read about this case and think “hey I don’t want that” and buy a Toyota instead.
If Tesla owners aren't price sensitive, then why do we care? Are we up in arms that Lamborghini (cars not tractors) is going to over charge for bumper repair?
For the record, I believe the right to repair to an extent. But I believe when we back the movement with crappy data points like this one, the whole movement loses legitimacy.
IMO this case is not just about the price, the perceived fairness plays a central role. From the article:
> Benoit and the team at Electrified Garage are huge proponents of Right to Repair and say that this is a lesson on that very subject.
I also think that it’s still a good case. The owner wanted an alternative to just throwing away the $16000 part, and found a shop that provided a legit way to do that (until proven otherwise at least).
Hopefully getting punished for choosing alternatives to Tesla to service it would be prohibited by right to repair clauses.
Maybe the repair is obvious based on the design / construction of battery packs used in other industries and applications. I don't want to get into details as this is not even remotely my area of expertise, and my point was about the principle anyway. I trust that repair-shops can build expertise via their own experience and knowledge. Again, if someone is not comfortable - great, take it to Tesla by all means.
Because there is no official process to repairing/replacing parts within the pack.