AirPod battery dead, Apple trying to charge $300

As the title says I noticed my AirPods weren’t charging (only showing orange like for a few seconds then disappearing) so I went to my local Apple Store. They confirmed the battery was shot with no damage or misuse on my end yet could only offer to get new ones or pay $300 to replace new the cups. I was wondering what options people have done or what you’d suggest.

Have people used 3rd party shops?

Is it worth fighting back and trying to at least get a deal (more than my initial pushback)?

What’s a better pair of headphones that won’t crap out after 1.5 years?

PS: I have tried cleaning them and done the freezer trick lol