OUCH!! "...it has become most difficult to obtain the necessary parts, despite our best efforts..." There's no clue as to what the actual problem is, but it rather sounds as if the SAS stylus has gone the way of its granddaddy, the Shure V15, which was done in by its too toxic to manufacture beryllium stylus shank. As it is, a Shure M97xE mounted with a JICO SAS stylus has served well as a darn good replacement. Thank the powers what be, I have a spare SAS!
Jico SAS no more
Jico is no longer manufacturing the SAS stylus. Their website indicates you can no longer order a SAS stylus.