I've got Craftsman tools from WAY back. I remember Dad taking broken tools back to Sears and getting replacements, no questions asked. I remember taking some back that were no longer made...and being given the closest equivalent in exchange, no questions asked.
There's a difference between a limited and a lifetime warranty. Or no warranty at all.
If the item is covered under warranty, then it's covered under warranty by those terms!
If the item falls under some exception, then it's not covered under the warranty.
So...is it covered, or is it not?
If it is, then a good faith effort to make good on the warranty should be made.
"Oh, but it just wore out!" Really? Is being "wore out" an exception in the warranty? If so, why would they offer to repair it, then? If it was still in production, would they offer a replacement?
If so, then offer a good faith replacement deal if it's no longer in production, not just some stupid offer to buy a new one at a price you could get anywhere else.
I buy parts for our cars with lifetime, limited lifetime, or limited warranties all the time. If they fail after 10 years of use, and it's still covered under warranty, you bet your keister I'm getting that replacement under the warranty terms. It's not MY problem I own vehicles longer than most people.
More than three decades ago I had an issue with a Colt pistol and called an authorized repair center to explain the problem and my concerns about whether it was covered.
"It doesn't matter. It's a Colt. Send it to us and we'll fix it and send it right back."
I posted about a problem with my new Walther earlier. Same deal...they would fix it or replace it, period.
People need to quit making up excuses to screw themselves over warranty covered issues. Companies already write enough exceptions into their warranties as it is, they don't need your help doing this, too.
There are court cases on these matters even now.