You *can* replace the handle yourself if you are very careful. There were a few people who did it on some of the early MK2s that came with chipped handles. There is a thread on it somewhere, and maybe even a FAQ entry. Support should be able to supply the handle OK - mail them and see.

(list 6284, Mk1 S/N 00299 4GB blue [for sale]. Mk2 S/N 080000094 26GB blue)