i thought so too, that manufacturing dates and chipsets would be important, but when it RR'ed the first time i sent it off to be repaired and when it came back they assured me that it wouldn't happen again with the new replaced hardware. 9 months later and here we are...

I have been rr'ed for the second time and looking to replace the console (why? that's another question for another time), anyway my question "is an elite more, just as, or less likely to RR on me?"

mate, i've lost faith in microsoft and the 360. why? you ask well i've just been rr'ed less than 5mins ago for the SECOND TIME! my advice get a ps3, those sounds are a warning get rid of it count yourself lucky you got a warning.