Well, being a two year old Elite didn't help mine from a RROD, and it wasn't heat related.
They sent me a refurb unit instead of returning mine to me. I guess that mine went to the "fix" pile, and one from the "fixed" pile was sent to me. Either way, so far so good with the replacement.
I don't believe that there is an upgrade path, but would advise that you call the support line and ask to be sure.
If I had to do it again, I'm not sure that I'd pony up for the Elite, though I do prefer the look of everything black. Pretty minor I guess, but I do like it.
