You really dont want to start messing around with all that TOC swapping nonsense...
Newer slim PS2s prove to be fairly reliable units these days - just make sure you install a good quality modchip such as the Matrix Infinity or one of the Crystal line of chips along with the Comsoft V4 laser chip. (steer clear of the Diode/Neo fixes etc).
Do that, and you'll have no problems...
LUFCfan