"The board cost more than a new water heater"
The only answer. This adds cost. In a world of $1.99 as opposed to $2.00.
Very simple.
Oh it's worse than that. Not only does it add cost, it kills sales! I mean, why would a HO replace a water heater when all it needs is a new heating element? As it stands now, all they know it's "it's broke" and they fix it by replacing it. The manufacturer has TWO good reasons not to add 20 cents worth of LEDs to the control board.
