AirPod Pros Sound Issue Service Program

Hi. I’ve recently had an issue with crackling and static sound in my left airpod. I took them to a Genius Bar and then ran diagnostics and confirmed that the airpod was defective. I asked them if this issue would qualify for the Airpod Service Program, but the Manufacture date was January 2021 and only products manufactured prior to October 2020 were eligible. Despite the fact that it’s very clearly still the same issue, they couldn’t override the decision, and I was advised to take it up with Apple Support.. So I did that and Apple support told me they wouldn’t make any exceptions either.. Seems ridiculous to me that i have for pay $140 for a replacement pod on a product that is obviously has a quality issue and it’s beyond my control. I’ve always taken good care of them, never dropped them or anything like that. Is there anything else that can be done in my case? Looking for suggestions. If not, I guess I won’t be buying AirPods anymore. Nothing but issues all the time.