User first or few posts, with prelimary diagnoses done. If more diagnosis is needed, user can purchases A limited console for diagnosing their drive. Limited console available for low cost made by you (?dr joint venture?). The user connects the console hard, installs simple automated console software runs it and copies the console ouput back to the forum thread (?auto also?). Diagnosis done drive problem known for data recover. This save user a lots of money for the work needed to be done near always. Price as you will expect will make or break this, it is what every customer wants. Its all diy but it can be turned around to your advantage and theirs, it all about money. If they haven't got it or will never have it, how will they ever afford the prices that are charged. Easy to make special LOW_LOW hddguru discount prices for different jobs. Capatlise on the potential profit that is to be made here.

Good in principle, but I think remote DR is very difficult. Also, many failures exhibit similar symptoms making it more difficult again. also, if a user has to purchase a console for diagnosing, would it be much better to simply send to a DR company?

Good luck in this, but I am unsure if this will prove to be of any success should you proceed with it.

I agree with hddguy but if you think it is feasible then you can give it a go. Goodluck.