Theyre made of cheap "pleather" material that flakes apart with time. I have some expensive headphones that have done the same. You can just buy replacement ear pads and slip them on like a fitted bed sheet.

Just the pressure of the frame is enough to cause this. It's a stress point for the material

These kind of pads are not really made to least long. Normally you can replace them

Round things still are subject to friction.

That's like saying "Water is soft and conforming, I'm unsure how it could carve a canyon."

The fabric is thin and wears out over time from taking them on and off. Mine eventually just crumbled into tiny flakes everywhere

These being senns, I don't think they fall into the "cheap crap" category.

Also, replacing the foam is far better than replacing the whole unit. If you have a recommendation for foam pad replacements that will last years, that would be awesome!

Buy new ear pads is consumerism, but buy another pair of headphones is good?

Ah yes, the famous "repair worn out pieces", that consumerism is known for

I appreciate your comment, but I most correct you on the “cheap crap” part. I wouldn't consider the Accentum Sennheiser Plus Wireless “cheap crap”, but rather a bad design choice on the manufactures end.