Volvo Repair: V40 2000 Driver Information Module problem, information module, controlled cars

Question
Since the module is asking for the Pin Code it indicates that it is ready to be reprogrammed. So why can't they just reprogram it? Or have they lost the Pin Code? From what they said they could never get past the Pin Code because the code provided by the factory did not work.
Why did the module stop working? Was it not well made? Was it not well designed?
This module does not provide any additional information than the old-fashioned dash boards did, so to whose advantage is it to install such an expensive item that goes bad after a few years? I have owned many cars and do not recall ever having a problem with the dashboards, and some of them were old cars.
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Followup To

Question -
One morning no instruments were working and the middle display showed 'pin code'. The radio also would not work. Took it to Volvo garage and they worked on it a couple of hours and said they could not solve the problem so I would have to bring it back. They had asked for help from Sweden and had to get a reply. When I went back they worked on it for a little while, and then said the DIM would have to be replaced at almost $500.! Is this a reasonable verdict?

Answer -
Roy, actually yes.  Those things arent cheap.  Sorry.  Roger

Answer
Roy, they probably dont want to reprogram it and then it will fail again.  Its just like any electronic part, they die when they feel like it.  They also may not have the equipment like the dealership does.  Thats the price of having these computer controlled cars.   The old stuff was simple and worked.  Now its about who has the most gizmos on their cars.  Roger