Symptom: Stuck in restore mode. Any attempt to restore ends with an error 4013. 

Forums suggest a motherboard failure. Local microsoldering shor turned down the job, saying the mainboards tend to flex and fail on these units in unrepairable ways. Apple Store says only a full replacement will work at $499 (!!).  

I have not opened this one, the glued screen seems like a giant pain.

Trying to decide if this is worth sending in. The forums seem to suggest that the flash part may be the issue. Any thoughts about this unit? Does the symptom sound familiar? Wouldn't want to spend more than $200 to fix since refurb units of this vintage sell for around $300.

I just hate to toss it. Also willing to sell the nonworking carcass to an enthusiastic repairer.