Yeah, I have a sneaking suspicion that if I can get the drive out, it will either work just fine or will be repaired by Disk Utility/etc. The trouble is doing so looks pretty hairy...especially with the AppleCare hanging in the balance. I'm wondering if I can't just get some Apple-sanctioned shop to just remove the drive and give it to me, and then I can give the Mini back to Apple...maybe they wouldn't charge an arm and a leg for that.