my MBP adapter fried where the thinner part comes out of the brick. but that was months ago, and the new (smaller) one has been fine. so far...
as far as the OP, a friend was over tonight with her MB, and w/o her cord. when her battery died i found this thread, and indeed, my MBP adapter charged her MB without catching it on fire. try that on a pc.
thanks y'all. graduate thesis project saved!