Build defect? repair

Hi,
one of my hinges has slowly started to disintegrate for some unknown reason. I do normal amount of closing and opening, nothing excessive.
I have spoken to some rep (after being transferred around) who said that this is not covered under warranty and that the repair costs would be 177 GBP.
Now, has anybody had similar issues. As far as I see it, its a build defect as i didn`t drop the laptop at any point, and i have been carrying it in a padded backack. Is there any way i can make a convincing argument for in-warranty repair? Any other thoughts, like buying a dead studio 1555 any replacing the body?
http://img600.imageshack.us/i/img6950m.jpg
http://img135.imageshack.us/i/img6951p.jpg
http://img715.imageshack.us/i/img6952o.jpg

 

I don't know whether you can make a warranty claim, but brand-new lids are quite inexpensive here in the US. Here is a brand new one on eBay for US $24.90 w/ free shipping (in the US). You may want to look on the UK eBay site, or on the US one for sellers that will ship internationally.

Make sure that any lid you buy has at least the number of antennas you need for the wireless cards in your system - they all have the 3 WiFi antennas, but the Bluetooth and Mobile Broadband antennas are not installed on all lid part numbers. You can also get a lid in a different color if you like.

You may find my blog entry on Studio 155x wireless antennas and lids useful when selecting a new lid.

 

Hi,
yeah I decided it isnt worth pushing for the warranty repair. i have disassembled the screen and ordered the back lid, same part number as mine. Hinges were ok, only the plastic was broken. Lind with hinges was 40 GBP.