broken superdrive, whats the best option?

I can't answer those other questions... but I sincerely doubt that that would happen. Others here on MR have reported multiple issues recurring w/ their machines before Apple considers doing such a replacement; ie the same thing happens 3x or so before Apple can be persuaded to replace it w/ the current offering. That said, there's no harm in asking, right?

 

That is not so easy, to me replacing it would be very straight forward, for my mother it would be impossible.

If you don't own a screwdriver many be you would find it a bit difficult!

 

I had to replace my logic board on my iMac g5, and in the process remove the superdrive. The process couldn't have been easier. I think it was like 3 screws and a connector. Apple will send you a booklet with detailed insructions, along with illustrations.

 

it depends on how much you know about hardware. there should be documentation about the web or ask apple for it. what I am trying to say is find a guide to tell you have to do it for your particular model of imac then you can read and determine if it is over your head or not. generally speaking it shouldn't be too terrible bad, but it depends on your prior knowledge. although, for example if it was powerbook instead of a imac, I would say give it to a pro because it quite a bit hard to service those.

 

The problem is that the drive is dead. This is a common failure mode for superdrives and can only be resolved by replacing the drive.