Lol. First off, sorry to hear of your bad experience. You didn't mention which model Benq it was. If 1620, then there are plenty of people who can share your sentiment. However, there are also plenty who have gone through the RMA process to get a solid performing replacement. But, that's your call.
Second ... as for getting what you pay for. So, then, by your logic, paying the extra for the Plextor rebadged 1640 is giving you more return for you money than buying a Benq 1640? Both drives are the same drive. Two different prices. Granted, you get some Plextor branded tools to use with their drive and you can use their firmware.
If the NEC 3540 is priced say $5 more than a Benq 1640 ... does that mean it's $5 more of quality than Benq is?
What about when Newegg drops their prices for a day? Did their Benq's all of sudden drop in quality?
I just don't think it's fair to 'cheapen' a brand by calling it 'cheap' just because they offer a competitive price for their product. If you want to single out a specific model, then do so. The one thing that separates CDFreaks from the rest of the pack is you can get away with talking in generalities elsewhere ... but not here. I think that's why people appreciate the more technical, in depth assessments and help you'll find here. Versus the generic "works great", "every burn is perfect", etc ... with no rhyme or reason to quantify what they mean.
Anyways ... Re. Benq products ... if you don't want to buy it and are disgusted with the experience you had, then I won't blame. I doubt anyone else would.
But, you at least owe it to yourself (considering the investment you've already made) to at least look into getting a replacement. Part of what you're paying for is the warranty. So, why not?
Neeways ... rant concluded. 
