Looking for win/win

Hello everyone,

Here looking for recommendations, options on options and a means to navigate a win/win for contractor and customer. Thank you for being open and welcoming.

Device - Rheem model RCFL-HM3617CC
Age - app 8 years (mfd 12/2012)
Issue - air not cool, coil freezing

Everyone has their own take and most of the HVAC companies in this area appear to jump to schedule the install of a new AC system before asking questions or knowing the situation.

Options
- Replace new (not an option at this time)
- Inject dye and sealant - look for leak in a few days and sealant would get it.
- Leak test, proceed accordingly. Customer concern w/this option on unknown and sunk costs.

Questions:
- What would you recommend to customer?
- Injecting sealant - various opinions here where some insist sealants cause more problems as the sealant hits valves and such resulting in bricked system. Those sharing this opinion have vested interest in selling new units. Looking for less bias opinions.
- Reasonable expectations on cost or budget for repair - ranges ok.

Option 3, leak test is the correct way to go and probably in accordance with your local legislation.

Leak sealer can block up orifices and make matters worse.

Sorry, cannot help with costs.

Thank you. Curious if anyone has tried them as well? Successful, call backs,, bricked systems etc?