
In retrospect I have learned that I should not have done what I did.
But my conscience tells me, "Given the same circumstances you should make the same choice."

Epilogue: My laptop screen kept dying. I have found a workaround that might help others if they can't get it fixed out of warranty, however a student with the same computer did get a video card replaced out of warranty a couple of weeks ago. Anyway, by accident I found it will work if I hook it up to another computer using firewire target disk mode:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1661 You seem to have to transfer around some files to make the computer work, but for whatever reason it starts up the next day. I have also stopped putting it to sleep when possible, screen saver instead, especially if it's heated up.
Fingers crossed, knock on wood it will keep on going!