Pretty sure the British would call this a crime to microwave tea

You’d be correct! Honestly, buy yourselves electric kettles. They’re great; and useful for more than just tea.

what can i say, i'm an outlaw

and they are right...😉

Once the tea has been made, properly, with water boiled in a kettle, and then you get distracted and it goes cold, what are you to do but microwave the tea? (I have been told off for this by other British people. I will also microwave cold coffee to warm it up. 🤷‍♀️)