loss of array after drive failure; problems with ST3500320AS

Six weeks later . . . I was advised not to try an OS reinstall, and opted to contact Netgear support. After listening to the story, an L2 tech in Manilla thought the issue should be escalated, and was of the opinion that it could be solved if escalated, but Netgear would not process the request without my purchasing a warranty upgrade ($150/1 year, $300/3 years) that covered all original hardware (including the two original drives), software, with NBD replacement. The deal was, however, that if they were unable to recover the data the charge would be limited to a one-time charge of $75. Reckoning the $$ to be less important than the time, especially with the downside limited if they could not recover the data,I agreed. It took 3 passes at an L3 tech telneting into the device, but they in fact were able to recover the (non-redundant) existing array on the remaining two drives, and after the machine restarted I added a third drive hot and the device resynched and is now back to normal.

Costly, but the device is back online and under warranty for three years, and I am left with a good impression of NG's support and not feeling at all badly treated. The L2 tech in Manilla was quite assiduous in tracking this down and getting it done (at an otherwise very busy and distracted time for me). And that six week delay was almost entirely me, not Netgear.

Thanks to all who offered advice, especially mdgm.