Used to think the same, honestly.

So how do you even get the real sheets from them these days?

Honestly, I find that polish can actually help the soul shine through.

Did they at least come back to fix it?

Is it still a scoby if it's just sulking at the bottom of the jar? Mine did the same thing last year and I gave it a full eulogy before it decided to come back. I guess they just need a little quiet time to think about their life choices. Makes me feel a bit better about my own unproductive phases.