I agree, there never should have been any charge for anything covered under warranty.
That being said....
So.... what you're saying is; nuts, bolts, brakleen, roloc discs, oxygen, acetylene, C25, welding wire, plasma consumables, gum cutter, sealants, saw blades, grinding wheels, power brushes, drill bits, and all other small items used in an industrial setting.... are obtainable somewhere for free? And the customer shouldn't be paying for them? Please send me a truckload!
In the post about the motorcycle fork rebuild... how many cans of brakleen do you think weren't used cleaning out the cooked teflon crud in the bottom of those tubes? Have you ever seen it?
Auto repair industry standard is, parts markup keeps the doors open... utilities, insurance, taxes, equipment, etc. Hourly rate covers salaries, benefits, and profit. That's how the mass merchandisers calculate it.
And when is the last time you got any DMV service for free?
Scams? I don't work to break even...... Do you?
I must be missing something here.............