Any bad experiences with ReadyNAS products?

Absolutely not. My first NAS an Infrant branded NV+ ran for over three years before I went to a faster NVX. It was idle for while, but for better than a year now it has been with a friend who gave it a loving home. For the past two and half years I had two NVX units and recently purchased a Pro 6.

The issue of #1 is moot, as any device can fail and Netgear provides a longer warranty than most, and the unit was replaced under warranty. You did not describe the symptoms of #2 but also do not mention any attempt to get a warranty replacement. I would certainly have done so. Since the case number you referred to was a telephone support number and you did not follow through with any purchase of support, it was probably closed. You can check on line I believe as to the status of that case by that number. If closed, simply open a new on line case. I have also replied to your other post about the possible cause of your current problem (Nautilus). If you get the problem resolved and get NV+ #2 replaced, consider setting up one NAS to do a nightly automatic backup of the other (will only take some drives).