Watch OS26 killed my Apple Watch series 7

I have an Apple Watch Series 7 45mm which worked great with no issues until I did a WatchOS 26 update and now the watch won’t come out of recovery mode. I brought it to the Apple store and the only option they gave me was to pay $300+ for a repair/replacement. I realize the watch is out of warranty but don’t feel that it’s right that the software update bricked my watch. The watch is physically in near mint condition with no damage (no water or other) Is there anything else that can be done? (I’ve tried all of the resets, etc).