...and yet another broken ESW9 thread...

I would try contacting audio technica and not the original seller.  They might charge you a little bit for repairs/parts, but they will probably be much more helpful.  

I would also try AT directly

I don't know how it's in US, but here you have some legislation rules for consumers in which is stated that a consumer has the right to use his product within the normal period the product is ought to be used without problems. If it's get broken, even out of warrantee period, consumer does have rights.

This problem is clearly something that the ESW9 has and almost no other can has. And they know that. This is not the first time they have consumers with this exact problem and certainly not the last time also.

It's a shame that headphones at the price have this problem and they simple don't fix it.

Ugh, that's terrible.  They should definitely repair or replace it, especially with the price tag and the severity of the break.