[charlie_ps2]

The Neo2.2 constantly pulses the SCEx signal irrespective of whether or not it is in boot mode. There are some hexes aroud, I believe, where this is inhibited and it ony pulses for a few seconds after reset is pressed - that NEO2.2 does little if any harm

This constant pulsing hits the laser circuitry and if not attentuated by a capcitor and resistor from 5v (the working voltage on the Neo2) to 3.3v, adds to the circuitry stress.

To find out what the NEO2.2 is doing, go to pin 2 of the chip and to ground with an oscilloscope and look for the pulse - going from 5v down to zero.

v3 laser unit is said to be poor. probably so. But replacement laser units are v4 type and fine. I would stay with the NEO2.2 and when Magic 2 for v3 or Messiah vor v3 come out, buy a new laser as well.

In the meantime, Nova is the best of the bunch you've listed because it does everything Messiah does except that backups require a single swap with GS2 AR2 or DVD Region X.