Here's the best part of my story so far.
For those of you who are new here to this thread, or to everyone who has been following along, this issue started for me in March (2018 MacBook Pro) and every 4 weeks or so I try to get a new resolution from above.
Recently I tried again. My recent Support Specialist Carlo said he hadn't heard of this problem, so during a screen share session I showed it to him, and I sent him the link to this thread. They ran another diagnostic test on my machine (3rd one to date) and at the conclusion of that they told me that they would be in touch with me once it was reviewed by senior level engineer(s). In between that review I updated to Mojave. I was like "OMG please let this be the solution!" No such luck.
Here comes the best part: the diagnostic review came. back with the following info and I'm going to cut and paste it:
Hi James,
Thanks for your patience. I tried to contact you by phone but was unable to reach you.
I received an update about your case. The Apple Engineer who is in charge of your case have reviewed the information that was provided and concurred that this would appear to be a hardware issue with the MacBook Pro camera.
We recommend servicing the MacBook through one of our Apple Retail Stores or to an Apple Authorize Service Provider. You also have the option to request it to be mailed to the Apple Repair Center if you choose to have it sent it.
You may set up a repair request at: https://getsupport.apple.com
Please let me know if you have questions.
Thanks,
Carlo
Apple Support
So, that would be cool, if they were going to accept responsibility, but they're not. My machine is out of warranty, so to fix it I have to pay for it. There has never been a hardware issue with my camera in any of the diagnostic tests that were done previously, and my camera worked fine without any issue prior to the Big Sur update in March. I'm so angry right now that I'm beyond words. I will never, ever buy another apple product. Since 2012 when I made the switch to apple I've purchased 15 iPhones, 5 iPads, 4 iMacs, and 2 MacBooks. I'm shopping for a new machine, and when my contract is up a new phone for everyone in my house and business. I've never seen such blatant disregard for consumer loyalty. The proof of Apple's responsibility is crystal clear in the radio silence from them in this thread. Find any other thread here with a technical issue and you'll see an Apple rep respond within 3 or 4 comments. But not here.
I honestly don't see why anyone would buy a product from this company moving forward if they can disable your hardware (especially at a time when so many of us are working remote) and put the responsibility on the consumer.
Good luck everyone