Ran it two nights horizontal now...

Interestingly enough, the disk tray opens right up with a press of the button most of the time now, with one exception. So far I don't have to really tap on it to get it to open.

Bottom was a little warm after a couple hours play, but I haven't had the chance to rig up a means of elevating it (or trying Nihil's advice ).

I haven't given it the proper test to see if it freezes after a few hours, but so far it's running pretty well.