Proceed CDD - repair or not?

I have a Proceed CDD (transport) which has had intermittent skipping which is getting worse - a skip or two on just about every disk. From what I have been reading, this indicates that the laser is getting weak and the entire Philips CD module needs to be replaced.

Can anyone confirm what Philips CD module is used? I believe it is the CD-PRO, but in conversation with a local service tech here in Atlanta, he thinks the CD-PRO is only about 8 years old and the CDD's were produced from 1995 to 2002. I guess opening up the chassis is in order.

A second question, when I get a power flicker, my unit displays an F3 error code and will not operate again unless I pull the power cord for an hour or so. Does anyone know what this code means?

I guess the bottom line question would be if it is worth it to get this repaired? A repair cost in the $500 range seems worthwhile to me.

Any Proceed peeps out there??

Thank you