> ... the tech at Refresh Computers knew I'd
> lubricated, and told me next time it would void my warranty.

He blamed the lube. Was there convincing evidence or reasoning?

The failure could have been degradation inside the memory. Without
expensive investigation with electron microscopy & etc., you can't be
certain.

A petroleum grease such as Vaseline absorbs into a polymer.
Illustrated by an oil stain on synthetic textile. What harm is done
by a few molecules of hyrocarbon scattered in a solid polymer printed
circuit board? Clear silicone grease is another possibility. May be
better, or worse. A topic for a chemist or materials scientist
specialized in the field.

Steve's instruction to apply a film and not sluice it makes sense.

                                                       ... P.

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