I understand their position on why they want to service their products. In addition to changing the batteries the unit is then tested for water entry and checked to ensure it complies with the Cospas-Sarsat certification the unit was issued when submit for certification.
I think that is the crux of it. A PLB is actually a fairly complex little item, and there is a lot more too it than just replacing batteries. My RescQLink+ has a GPS chip, a 406 MHz transmitter, a 121.5 MHz transmitter, associated antenna(s), and some sort of processor linking GPS and 406 radio. As just one example of what could go wrong, transmitters are subject of frequency wandering which will degrade performance (I had that happen with an older avalanche beacon). Presumably ACR has all the appropriate test jigs to insure that all those components and features are still in spec. Also, as noted, the waterproofing.
I would like to state that I do not recommend anyone to do their own battery build to service a PLB.
I agree. For me the cost of sending back for authorized service is well worth the peace of mind knowing that it will work when I need it most.
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