So, got my screen replaced.
Initially: I took the MBP to my local store and was told it was my fault for treating the laptop like a laptop, ie- not keeping it in a tupperware box and brushing it down before closing the lid đ
They say it's caused by grains of sugar, salt, sand, grit, stale pastry crumbs etc on the keyboard.
Such micro-debris, forced by with the leverage effect of closing the lid, punctures the screen, would you believe it? (no, neither did I).
It therefore constitutes damage inflicted by the user.
Next: Took it to the Apple store in the big city hereabouts (aka Brighton) and they said "OK, see your point. We can't upgrade you to a less fragile model but we'll replace this screen, this time, free of charge."
On collection a precocious young gent with a fashionable beard told me a few things of interest:
a) If Apple really thought it was user damage they wouldn't have replaced it for free.
b) The response you'll get from different stores varies.
c) "Screen Protectors" are not advised or even sold by Apple as they don't think these screens are liable to puncture from without.
d) I really should treat my ÂŁ1600 laptop with kid gloves.
IMHO for that price I shouldn't have to worry about crumbs, etc as the build quality should be rock solid.
e) Internet material on this issue, including these forums, is seen to be a place of wild unreliable rumours and drama.
f) I should probably sell my laptop and buy a more recent build MBP, where they overcame the issue.
This would leave me several hundred pounds poorer but at least it would rid me of this worry that it will just happen again, when I'm not covered by warrantee or statutory UK rights.
I think the pixel explosion and crumb issues are really part of the same flaw. The pressure of micro-debris, coupled with insufficient space between the mac and screen surface when closed, will cause pressure points leading to burn-through.
Look at it under a microscope, like I did.
The only real flaw is that design and build quality on this release of MBP failed to integrate correctly.
Hope this helps. Best of luck with your exploding pixels, and getting your screens replaced.
Maybe you should print this thread out and take it in to the shop with you?