said by Mr Matt:The insurance industry is out of control
I agree with that. However, I am sure you have absolutely no data nor any reason to infer that the 'insurance industry' is making such changes to the electrical code; aside from pure speculation on your part. One can check out the proceedings on code changes all they want - they are public and I believe they are on-line. Please research and post your evidence in a new thread. Debating whether the insurance industry has undue influence in electrical code requirements is far off-topic, IMHO.
Having GFCI receptacles in garages has been in the national electric code since at least 1999. (I just checked my 1999 edition.) Its not anything new. GFCI receptacles in wet and damp places are meant to save lives and they clearly do. If one is concerned about losing the contents of some old fridge in the garage; they can easily connect plug a power failure alarm into the receptacle.
The OP has taken the cheap and easy way out and chosen to violate the
law; which according to his post, he has done. While building & fire codes are not felonies; they are indeed laws. God forbid someone gets killed - it will be on his conscience if not his wallet as well. That the refrigerator has clearly shown have a faulty electrical system, and the OP
feels there is nothing wrong with it, is dangerous. He's putting himself and family/friends at risk. But at least he saved money.