Hi Kevin
I think you are right, it IS the way of the world!!
What I really do not get with the rubbers is, one manufacturer can sell a replacement set of rubbers at £1.50 plus p&p and the replacements for this vac looks like it is going to cost roughly the same amount as a Pirelli P6!!
I suppose the lesson here is, before we all buy anything, look at the cost of on going replacement parts. Its a bit like my Laser printer, the toner is the same cost as buying a new printer! WTF!!!
Please let me know if you have any kicking around Kevin, they will be worth having a few in stock.