I totally get where you are coming from. Was also offered a new printer for my C6280 which was working perfectly with Windows 8 and since I upgrated to 8.1 will not work. After no help from HP or Microsoft (because I feel it is an 8.1 problem) I decided to uninstall the printer software and once I tried to install from the original disc, it told me it was not compatible with my system! I checked the specs on the printer the HP Tech recommended and it is only compatible up to 8 so why would I even bother to buy it?
Both Techies I spoke to said they did have people calling about 8.1 and printer problems and the one at Microsoft said she would forward my "concern". So what more can we do. I am only fortunate that we have another laptop with Windows 7 which does printer, no problem so I have to send everything I want to print over to the other computer. Royal Pain!!