Im seriously considering the 60" model for $1100, from what I hear you really cant go wrong, But what is the lamp life. I have read only 5,000hours. is it a pain to change the lamp when it dies

All lamp based microdisplay rptvs average 5000hrs. Many factors like ambient temp, airflow restrictions, and how many power cycles contribute.

If you watched 4 hours of TV every today for just about 3.5 years straight that would equal 5000 hours. Not too bad if you ask me.