Yeah, the libdvdread update requires at least a workaround which you have just mentioned.
Libraries are moving forward, k3b is standing still. I could rebuild k3b to use the current libdvdread libs, but k3b is a large and complex package which I honestly don't have time to troubleshoot or maintain. I would rather spend my available TC time on supporting the community by handling extensions, as well as maintaining the more widely used packages like gtk2 and firefox and all.
Of course, if anyone desires to update k3b they are more than welcome.