It’s at least a century old problem imho. In the 1950’s clever capitalists where already looking for ways of “Instilling in the buyer the desire to own something a little newer, a little better, a little sooner than is necessary”. I can’t believe how often I’ve had to buy a new fucking toaster. It just keeps getting worst.
Consider getting a toaster oven the next time your toaster dies.
I’ve had mine for like 15 years now, use it all the time, and it’s still chugging along despite being $25 new. They are built a lot better than toasters because they are made for multi-purpose use, and the heating element is much more robust. Plus no springs to fail.
I know that doesn’t help the overall problem, but it might solve that one problem :)