I've been a long time member of AVSforum and other forums. While it is possible to get a lemon with anything you buy, I really am not sure that I follow your comments. Most people don't have many problems with projectors, and they don't crap out in a year.
I've had a Sanyo Z2 for over 3 years and it has been great. Recently, I've had an issue with some faint vertical lines, but I'm still troubleshooting the issue. I'm looking at the cable and HTPC video card I'm using as the problem.
If you get at least a 720p projector or higher, HD material is stunning. I guess it all depends on if you want a big screen experience or a smaller experience.
For me, if I ever need repair work done, it is a lot easier to send a 12lb unit to Sanyo for 3 day turn around, than it is figuring out how your going to get your large TV repaired.
Spending "that kind of money"? Projectors cost less overall than HDTV's, Plasma's, LCD's on the market.
I'm not giving up my 130" image anytime soon.
