I think the hoses and attachments comming back from the factory for rebuilds are all black now too. At least the last several ive sent in have come back this way. Havnt gotten a machine with a black bag yet. The last time i sent in my Tradition, it came back all blue except for the bag guard, hose and attachments,,were all black. Everything else was blue. This was 3 months ago.
I do know for certain that the long strait extension tube, curved tube, large floor nozzle, swivel coupler and crystalator are no longer avalible, and wont be replaced by the factory. Neither will they replace any shampoo systems,floor polishers,floor pads,Handy Butlers, hair clippers, turbo brush, turbo sander, or Handy Waxer's.
Also all cartons, boxes, attachment carriers,not replaced in the FR.
They are considered "Optional Equipment", and not part of the Factory Rebuild Agreement. - According to the last notice i got when i sent in a machine for rebuilding anyway.