I'm really not sure what the fuss is about.

An extra 16MB for Mk2a units is really beneficial Right Now. Adding another 32MB beyond that will NOT make nearly as noticeable a difference.

The 2-chip solution is simple, and easy to install -- as evidence look around on the BBS -- tons of people have attempted and succeeded, and no units or owners have died.

Installing Patrick's theoretical expansion board in 2006 will be no easier or less risky to the player than the current 2-chip upgrades are -- they take under an hour to solder and test, or under 15 minutes if one has done it before.

I imagine a PCA board will require the same effort, but be trickier to verify due to the concealed solder joints inherent to the design.

Removing a PCA board without damage to the main player will be nearly impossible (mechanically very difficult) for most people on the BBS.

Should it ever be necessary due to a chip failure, removing the 2-chip solution without damage to the mainboard is easy -- just snip the pins and desolder them one-by-one.

The two chip solution is very very cheap, even if one has to pay another to do the soldering.

Cheers