The machine is about 18 months old and I probably pull five or six shots a day.
Perhaps with regular maintenance it might have lasted longer but as you said a consumable which is very reasonable.
Just a suggestion that might extend the life of the gasket a bit...
When the machine is off, do not put the portafilter in the machine. This allows the gasket to return to it's uncompressed state. When the machine is on, then leave the portafilter in place in the machine.