Lots of products are more repairable now, by the owner, primarily due to the internet (YouTube specifically), along with websites dedicated to providing schematics and parts lists/ordering (Appliance Parts Pros, etc.).
I've personally repaired a broken dishwasher (temperature sensor's solder busted), the hot-surface ignitor of a gas-fired water heater, the water-filter socket of my frig, and helped a friend repair the ignitor in his gas-fired dryer.
All thanks to Youtube videos with instructions/tutorials, and the availability of parts.
Prior to these, I would have had to call a repairman, and then he'd probably say "you need a whole control board" or "the unit's dead."
Your argument is wholly incorrect, though. Manufacturers aren't making things easier to repair. Those things you repaired? They were already easily repaired. In the case of your argument, the only thing that has changed is whether or not people know how to repair things. And these days most people don't and most aren't willing to try without step by step instructions on how to.
I've personally repaired a broken dishwasher (temperature sensor's solder busted), the hot-surface ignitor of a gas-fired water heater, the water-filter socket of my frig, and helped a friend repair the ignitor in his gas-fired dryer.
All thanks to Youtube videos with instructions/tutorials, and the availability of parts.
Prior to these, I would have had to call a repairman, and then he'd probably say "you need a whole control board" or "the unit's dead."