Local salesperson claims a less expensive C/D player laser has a shorter life span than a more expensive C/D player laser. Can anyone shed some "LIGHT" on this subject ?

today almost all laser head are made probably in the same factory somewhere in china.
laser led can be run forever (i got 2 laser led running 24/24 at my house entrance for more than 8 years)
the problem is more with the lens (cheap plastic) and dust.
frankly a cheap DVD drive costs around 40$ while an expensive one can cost 400$.
you can purchase 10 of the cheapest with the price of the most expensive.
i do not see any reason to justify such prices.