Hi,
I most certainly sympathize with your fustration. As mentioned, although having a backup such as a second M9, is generally the solution (not only if one body is in for repairs), but if ever a body "goes down" during a shoot, there is little interuption of completing or having to delay paying jobs. In the long run, some sort of appropriate back-up pays off, even with the inital expense.
Delays in repairs due to shortage of parts from distributors of course is often out of the control of manufacturers such as Leica, but other times its can simply be a question of a shortage of manpower. In these situations, especially with smaller high end companies like Leica, often times the solution is to finda loaner, either within the confines of the company or in the dealer network. I would expect (or at least hope for) for the company to provide a timely response and make an ernest attempt in finding at least a temporary solution.
Although a bit different and certainly not a direct comparison, I'm reminded of a big box store here in the states which I am not particulary fond of. They are quick to provide products and assistance in making purchases (ie: take your money)...dozens and dozens of floor help individuals hovering over you, while they try to ram almost every accessory that is associated with the primary item into your shopping cart (sometimes when the item is not even needed). This goes hand and hand with the multitude of registers ready to rake in your cash. Yet come back a day later to return an item (unopened and un-used) and there sits a large impressive "customer service area" with up to 5-7 other registers, for the sole purpose of reversing the sale (refund) and at best, its never staffed by more than one person, who generally disappears from view most of the time from helping anyone with the return, as this line piles up as far as the eye can see. Many leave fustrated and give up ever getting their money back and exclaim "it's not worth it"
My point is if a company is going to sell high priced items and be ready to serve one "in point of sale", they also should work just as hard and be just as attentive in the reverse direction when problems and issus arrise. This often is far from reality.
As for Leica, in almost all circumstances, my own experience has been a very positive one (in both directions), but of course I realize with even the best of companies, thats not always the case with each of their loyal customers.
Now don't let me get started on certain car companies.....LOL!
Glad to hear your camera is on its way back to you!
Dave (D&A)