Can just swapping out the lenses multiple times damage glasses frames if done properly?
I can only answer the second question: They’re only not liable for shoddy work if you signed some kind of waiver, or they told you as you handed the glasses over, that they would not be held responsible. If you didn’t waive your rights, you still have them. There is no special rule that I know of that states you’re liable for negligent harm to all kinds of other goods, but not glasses.
Well, the damage liability waiver is their policy, and non-negotiable. I can understand that they’re not liable if, say, the frame breaks through no fault of their own. But this is pretty clearly (to me), the result of trying to force too large a lens into the frame. Yes, the lens changes were at the same shop.