iPad volume up, mute switch, and accelerometer failed simultaneously

Good morning Apple Community.

Two days ago the volume up, side mute switch, and accelerometer all ceased functioning on my iPad 2 in the 15 minutes it took for me to walk to university.

There were no precipitating events (fall, water, etc.).

I have tried every method I could find to resolve this: sync, soft reset, hard reset, restore to factory, power drain.

The Apple Store recommended a full replacement as there was nothing else they could think to do.

Cost is an issue for me (off warranty), and I'm not ready to give up my trusty iPad yet.

Has anyone had any similar experiences?

Any other ideas that I should try?

I appreciate your time - cheers!