That's because they have to tear off the old cover to make the repair....
For people who are happy that they got a 'free' repair, mull on this. Leica kept on selling these cameras to unsuspecting owners long after they knew the sensors were defective. There is nothing free about dropping $6000 on a camera and having it break due to an existing design flaw, then having to wait 6 months for a repair.
I bought my M-E new, since sold after this debacle. I bought my M-240 used, and love that camera and buying it used was a huge discount. Rock solid. But I'll never buy another new digital Leica again after this mess.
And film Leicas? Awesome.