If fall 2024 introduces a new mechanism, that means bands will have lasted 9.5 years (since early 2015). That seems fair to me.
Not sure if I agree or disagree. That statement is fair enough on the face of it. But they released new ones each season and discontinued the old ones. They treated them like a fashion / collector’s item.
I’m genuinely not sure what one’s expectations should be based on that. At least unfashionable clothes are still useful. I don’t have a huge collection but I bought more than I need. Probably won’t be doing that again when and if I do upgrade to an incompatible watch.