My PS3 broke... help? (console, blu-ray, sony, History)

[American Luxury]

I was in the middle of playing black ops 2 yesterday when it froze. Ok, this happens on occasion so I restart it. Except when I restarted it and tried to load the game, it just came up with the spinning clock in the upper right hand corner.
Here's what I've tried:
-Letting the system cool down hoping it was just overheating
-Tilting the system vertically and putting the game in that way (hey, it worked for someone on youtube)
-Rebuilding the database

None of those worked, so here's what I'm left with:
-Buying a Blu-ray disc cleaner
-Deleting everything and restoring the whole system
-Get a new console

I just want to know if there's anything else I can try because those last three options aren't very desirable to me.

[Yooshi]

Overheating can cause a slew of issues and freezing is one of them. Unfortunately, the only way to be totally sure is by sending the console in. It can cost a few hundred bucks but it's a more viable option than purchasing a new console. If they find that you didn't abuse the console, they'll send you a replacement and some instructions on how to back up your data (you might want to invest in a USB compatible HDD device if you plan to send it in).

[American Luxury]

I've read that they charge $150 to fix it, which your right that's probably better than getting a used one.

[Yooshi]

$150 sounds about right. For used consoles, it really depends on the usage history of the console. Its almost like buying a used car: extremely hit or miss.

[Adric]

Honestly it sounds like the blu ray disc drive is failing (assuming everything else is working normal). You can get a new drive online for 50 or 60 bucks.

Play n Trade stores can also do console repairs for less money than Sony and Microsoft charge but I looked and the closest one to Cincinnati is in Richmond, IN.