The next firmware update should help things, whenever that may be. There never is any sort of schedule for these things other than "when its ready". I have a launch system myself (the 20 GB ) and didn't have a problem with the update when i got it.
I'm doubting if much would happen if you tried a class action lawsuit other than spending more money than it would cost to go through with the repair. But, if you high enough up the support chain (asking for a suvervisor and such) you may be able to get someone convinced to extend the warranty enough to get you covered. I've phoned in to get a replacement hard drive tray to simplify a swap and they extended my warranty to the end of the month to avoid my having to pay for it.