Already covered that one, I think. Since it seems possible to send your decoders back to SOundtraxx to swap them out, it seems like they internally have the capability to change the programming. Since unliek all other sound decoder manufacturers (except MRC - I don;t count them), they have decided not to make this capability available to the end-user, there would be no way to accomplish an upgrade, short of them possibly offering a for a fee upgrade to convert the Sound Value to full Tsunami - should they ever offer such an upgrade path, I guess that would answer most of the speculation about just what exactly is different other than some software. Really all you’d gain though would be the reverb stuff, having multiple sound choices isn’t really important once the decoder is installed in a specific loco.
I do not know is the Sound Value decoder will ever be sold seperatly but if they do ever based on both MR and my own review of the Alco 2-6-0 (posted on the Bachmann site) I would certainly try them.
Because this isn’t a Soundtraxx issue. They are only the supplier of the decoders, they build as many as the contract calls for, and at the price they are selling them for, once delivered they have no further obligations. The buyer assumes the risk.
If it fails under warranty, you talk to Bachmann, who supplies a replacement. Same goes for support issues. They would have to buy some for warranty replacements in addition to those used in production.
If you bought the decoder in a Soundtraxx package, then Soundtraxx is responsible for support and service under warranty. Your warranty is with them.
Those low cost decoders are manufactured to meet a specified price point, and in order to do that, you can’t throw in a warranty and support without increasing the price.