Sealed for life just means Audi can omit this service to make the cost of ownership low on paper, which appeals to fleet users.

. . . and this is what ZF themselves finally changed their opinion to -

ZF Statement on Sealed For Life Gearboxes

It's not really, Mackies in Glasgow are one of the few "A" rated ZF agents in the UK and they do it for around £150 for the D2 S8+++

Sure but goldsax has D3 +++

Yeah I know, would be curious to know why it might cost more though, must be a similar process I guess, unless more bits need removed such as exhaust etc?

...and he's unwilling to even travel to Guy, let alone to Glasgow ;)

Isn't D3 fluid more expensive, especially the "uprated" stuff?

From memory the fluid and parts alone are more than £200. Mackies charges something like £450-£500 for the D3.

As for using Guy, I live in Wigan and am happy to travel to Guy. After all it is only time and fuel, and you know the job will be done correctly.
There are other experts but I like to use the ones that have looked after me and proven their worth.

Same here, but @ Manchester, and for Mackies. Travel really shouldn't be a barrier if you want it done properly.