Hi London-B
I'm sure Sony has designed the PS2 to be perfectly fit into consumer grade Laser output products. Otehrwise they would never have got it past Safety Standard board.
However, my 10000 was ahum, "adapted" to play UK and USA games, cough cough. So it's not excatly an untouched virgin
I tried fit a new replacement laser assemble, but after a few minutes, the whole assemble starts to over heats again (too hot to touch).
Think the modification is the direct cause here. If you still have doubts, I have the disk and laser assemble to prove it heheh.
P.S. Referring to your quote: If anything, cats are better trainers...