DSG Shift Knob Stuck: Troubleshooting & Fixes

Today, just like I've done a thousand times before, I pressed the button on the gear knob to shift into reverse.
After I released the button, I immediately noticed that it was stuck in the pressed position and wouldn't come out.
After I finished my short reverse maneuver, I shifted into drive and initially thought, "He'll pop out again; it's probably just jammed."
But I quickly realized that I couldn't shift into reverse or park anymore.
The button is pressed in and stuck, but it functions as if it were not.
That's a shame - I can't really do anything more than just push it in.

So, I went to the VW dealer because the vehicle has an extended warranty.
There, the mechanic took my car into the workshop.
After 5 minutes, he came back out, having removed the gear knob - only the shaft remained (see picture 00).
A plastic part has broken off inside, and the entire control unit, including the shift knob, needs to be replaced.
To do this, you also need to work from underneath the car, for example, by removing the exhaust system, etc.

I can't wrap my head around it - (meaning:) I can hardly believe...
What a huge undertaking - to remove a 3-year-old exhaust system and then reattach it.
given the extensive work being done from both below and above, where various cables, cable ties, and plastic clips certainly won't improve things - not to mention.
I can hardly believe it.

Attached are some photos showing the current condition.
I took the photos right after the car was driven out of the workshop!
I'm supposed to drive around like this until the parts arrive.
"If necessary, when I want to switch to R or P mode..."
Should I use a small screwdriver to slightly lift the inner part of the shift linkage?

I immediately noticed that this part in the gear linkage looks very worn (crumbly/broken).

Is it normal for this part of the shift linkage to look this bad so soon after the shift knob is removed?

Quote:

The vehicle has an extended warranty

.
Be glad when it works, because just the part itself is quite expensive.

"Completely off-topic, but I noticed that the "PM" (private message) button is missing from your post."
What kind of seat cushion is that on the passenger seat? Is it any good in the summer for preventing "sweating on leather"?
haithamina

I just found out - the extended warranty applies.

@RedR32: And you were right - the work involved was quite extensive (including removing the exhaust, etc.), and the part is only available as a complete control unit, costing around 400 euros for the part itself, plus half a day's labor.