Irlacosse,
The whitish mark on the chip shouldn't hurt anything. I have it on the chip in my Pontus ll also. My Dac is 2 years old and going strong.
Replacement of the module with chip on it is expensive. The US. cost of that module is approximately $350 US. That is why they are probably ignoring your request for a free one. I too am going to hold off on the update. My Pontus ll isn't problematic. I like the sound as is, and believe if it isn't broke, don't fix it.