Dear Apple: Can't recover data from iPad / no exploit for A5 bootrom

Question

Dear Apple,
Looks like I'm not the only one who has had a failed upgrade to 6.1.3. Now my mother's iPad 2 is in recovery mode with 1000+ pictures lost in LaLaLand.
No recent backup, no iCloud.
I've done lots of research on how I can recover the data and the only possible way seems to be accessing the Ramdisk via SSH.
But there is no bootrom exploit for A5 devices, so it won't work.
Thanks Apple, I've lost photos of our family dog that passed this year, as well as photos from my grandmother's memorial service from this year.
I hope an Apple employee see's this...
Your process for upgrading iOS versions should be less prone to errors or failures. Required syncs or backups before upgrades should be required.
I could send my iPad to the main data recovery service Apple has partnered with... but I don't have $400 - $1200 to spend.
But even if I did, I would assume that only Apple has the power to access the data that is now in a digital vault, protected by their millions of dollars of revenue.
How can a top-leader in the consumer electronics industry let down so many of their loyal customers? Just google "recover data on iPad" or iPhone and you'll see that 1000's of people across the globe are having the same issue with iOS upgrades.
Please Apple, at least create a service to allow users to send in devices for data recovery. Only you have the power to "hack" into our devices.
Sincerly,
Forever lost memories?

Answer 1

Apple aren't here. This is a user to user forum.
You've lost your data because, as you said: "No recent backup, no iCloud." - that's your fault, no-one else's.
Backing up is necessary regardless of whether you are upgrading or not. Your iPad could've been stolen or damaged and you'd've lost the data the same. Apple provides you with at least 3 ways of retaining copies of your photos - you chose not to use them.
Call this a lesson learned in the consequences of not backing up as advised.