My PS3 is way past the warranty period (early 2007). Also, others with my problem have said that, after this much time, Sony won't repair or replace anything.

A few quick searches said that it would be $150 for a YLOD repair from Sony.

I never trust any 3rd party repair shops unless they offer free return shipping (a video camera repair place I go through offers that).

Yeah, Sony's current solution is go buy a slim PS3 and start over.

Customers who purchase a PS3 benefit from a manufacturer’s one-year warranty, which is standard industry practice.

If a PS3 develops a fault during the warranty period, the customer can contact SCEUK, who will organise {sic} collection and supply of a refurbished unit (typically within 24-48 hours) by courier at the consumer’s convenience, free of charge.

Sony has invested substantially in creating state-of-the-art diagnostic and servicing facilities to support both in-warranty and OOW repairs. As regards the purported solution to the supposed "yellow light" issue adopted by commercial repairers, effecting a reflow correctly, to the required engineering standards and in a properly controlled static-safe environment requires the use of an infra-red BGA soldering station, which must be set up and programmed to run at very specific temperature profiles. Each such station costs tens of thousands of pounds. The diagnostic equipment required to test that the solder has been performed correctly costs a similar amount.

Finally, this stunt {PlayStation Repair Action Team} as a whole (and, in particular, the use of the acronym "PRAT") treats with inappropriate levity an issue which may do serious damage to SCEUK and the Sony and PS3 brands.