Air Pod Pro 1st gen static - apple store refused to sell me a replacement

Left airpod on 1st gen generation airpods has static now. And get this, on all 3 sets we bought at same time...

So I go to the "Genius Bar" and after a lengthy test done by the tech the set I brought in are declared trouble free. Meaning they can find no problem with the airpods tested. But they refused to sell me a replacement, telling me that because it passed the test , I am not allowed to purchase a replacement left earbud for $89.

But what if they were physically damaged ? What if it were missing ? Would the Genus-Bar then sell me one ?

It was very annoying to drive an hour one-way to the store, wait, just to be told we will not sell you one.

We are looking at Beats headphones now. Apple should be willing to sell to willing customers. I was not trying to angle for a warranty replacement. I just wanted to purchase a replacement left side so I could use them. Now they are useless. Because , of course, they passed the test.