Miele W5740 - Broken Door Seal

I bought a Miele W5740 in December 2011 from an approved Miele centre. At that time the machine qualified for a free 10 year parts and labour warranty which I duly registered.

2 Days ago as I went to remove clean clothes at the end of the cycle, a small section of the rubber door seal came away. Its probably only 1 or 1.5cm long, from the front outer section that goes up against the glass window. I have attached a photo showing the section that has broken and the whole it left behind in case that is useful.

I rang Miele expecting this to be covered by their 10 year warranty but they said it is a maintenance issue not a mechanical issue and therefore I have to pay for both parts and call out.

I am very disappointed that this has happened to a machine that is only 3 years old. I wondered whether this is a common problem in washing machines (generally or specifically this brand)? I would be grateful if anyone with some knowledge of this field could advise whether the response from the Company was the usual response or whether it is worth speaking to them again about it?

Any words of wisdom gratefully received.

Thanks