I first mangled the reset button, and then tore it off using a toothpick instead of the *very gentle stylus touch* as recommended in the manuals. While that is of course completely my bad, this is some serious piece of shit design -- the switch isn't even soldered on the main board and it is way too fragile.
Now the 'for parts' unit I purchased recently has got lost in the mail, apparently, so maybe it's time for some DIY. It is possible to put a metal nail file flat against the contacts where the switch rested and the DR1000 resets OK. However, it's a real PITA to open the device every time, so I'm thinking about getting some conductive glue and sticking a less frail switch on its place.
So far I've found these possible replacements in eBay:
Stroke leaf switch;
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Mini push button
What do you guys think?