re: AC Frozen in a Block of Ice UPDATE

If the condenser unit is running well past the set point and the air handler is not, it will cause the lines to freeze up. This is a common problem caused by the contactor on the condenser unit sticking and therefor continuing to circulate refrigerant without air being pushed through the evaporator coil. Contactors wear out frequently (my 4 year old Goodman unit had one fail a couple weeks ago) but they are cheap and easy to change.

It's entirely possible this is what happened and your condenser kept running, froze the lines and coils to the point of rupturing. Coils for some brands are nearly impossible to get right now due to supply chain issues, which may be why they are telling you an entirely new unit is your only option.