What to do next...

So my 360 RRODed again. The first time I fixed it myself because it was out of warranty (Then they extended it to 3yrs) so I am faced with a couple different options that I wanted to get everyone's opinion on:

First off, will MS still replace it for free even though I opened it? (Doubtful but I figured I'd ask)

Second, should I just buy an Arcade and stick my HDD on top (Will all the data work OK?)

Third, should I buy an Elite and transfer my 20GB to the 120GB. I don't need the space, so I don't see any benefit other than to have a black box.

I really don't want to fix it myself again because I am just sick of messing with it. So what are your thoughts?

I took my X Clamp off and replaced it with washers and screws, will they still accept it free of charge?

I don't need the extra space that much, so I probably won't spend the extra cash on an Elite unless the Arcades are known to RROD again or do not use the new Falcon hardware. In that case I would just buy another Pro and slap the old HDD on and try to sell the 20GB on eBay.

That really shouldn't be too much of an issue (having to be connected to XBL) however is there any kind of work around to use DLC and XBLA content without being connected to XBL (Other than buying an elite and transfering my 20GB HDD to the new 120GB)?

Alright alright, don't turn this thread into any kind of off topic flame war please.

Oh yeah I knew that breaking the seal would most likely lead to that, but it was a system I bought on launch and it was either pay to get it fixed, buy a new one, or try it myself and I chose the later. I was kinda POed when I found out they extended the warranty to 3 years only a few weeks after mine died and I cracked it open. But I figured it was worth a shot asking if anyone had done the same and still sent it in.

If money wasn't an issue I would get the Elite. But right now I am trying to justify a $279.99 system vs. a $449.99 system. Basically I'd be paying the difference for just 100GB which isn't that important to me, so I am leaning towards the Arcade and dealing with the fact that I'll have to be connected to XBL to use downloadable content.

Will all new downloaded content still require to be connected online? And one last question, are the Arcades using the Falcon chipsets?

Yeah I think thats what I am trying to decide...

Pay for the Elite to be able to use DLC when ever and where ever I want or get the Arcade and know that if internet or XBL ever goes down I won't be able to use those items?

I guess that luxary isn't worth $170 to me so I think I will just pickup the Arcade.

Thanks for all the info guys.

I'd imagine so, especially when you consider the fact that if every person who had an RRODed console got a refurb and stuck their HDD on it and are having these issues.

Hopefully a spring update or something will be released that may resolve these issues, but now that I know that I am sure I will get the Arcade. If I could justify to myself that I'd use it as a media center, I'd be more inclined to get an Elite but as it stands I think the least expensive route is the best for me to take.