It's really just a drawback only if you need one of the features the new firmware provides. Knowing that the keys cannot be upgraded (this is correct), why would you purchase one unless it does what you want? Unless you heard a new feature was coming but somehow bought an older key before the feature was completed. In this case I bet yubico would accommodate you.
I definitely love flashable, upgradable things, but they cost more. Also it's not a desirable trait at all to have in a security device. You want the software in the device to be permanent, and known-good.
I think it would be cool to have an exchange program where you could get a new key by sending in your old one and a few bucks. But shipping costs make that impractical; by the time you do a round trip of shipping that's half way to the cost of a brand new key!
Anyway look on the bright side, if you just get a new key, you get to keep the old one and use it for something else. Or give it to your mom so she will not forget her password any more.
