Car mechanics face the same problem today with rare issues. They know the mechanical standard procedures and that they can not track down a problem but only try to flash over an ECU or try swapping it. They also don't admit they are wrong, at least most of the time...

> only try to flash over an ECU or try swapping it.

To be fair, they have wrenches thrown in their way there as many ECUs and other computer-driven components are fairly locked down and undocumented. Especially as the programming software itself is not often freely distributed (only for approved shops/dealers).