Console error message...

I was playing a game last night and noticed that the game looked grainy.  At first I didn't think much about it, but when I put in a different game it was the same.  So today I tried to play a game and now I get one red ring and the message E 74.  I went to the support page and submitted for a repair, but find that my console is past its warranty.  Ok... this is the second time I have had to have the console serviced.  Is it too much to ask for to have a console that will not have problems.  The fee is $99 for repair, at that price I may as well buy a new console, but I don't want to.  I have a game cube, going on 6 years, that works just fine.  I even have a super nintendo, which belongs in a museum, but regardless works fine.  So why is it that I have an even more expensive console and yet problems?  I just want a fair shake, that's all.  I love the 360 and all, but don't want to be stiffed with a fee.  Can anything be done???