Right!
So I finallly got a chance to test the player the way Kurtis suggested. I've got my X9 set up at my mums house with the surround sound etc, which I dont have space for in my current place. I rarely get a chance to go there anymore, which is why its taken so long for me to get back! I've got my birtdhay coming up soon so I booked a week off work. I'm gonna do nothing except chill and watch Laserdiscs.
Anyway, I went there yesterday with two discs, for those interested they were:
AssassinsJudge DreddI figured two half decent Stallone movies would equal a decent evening. I wasnt dissapointed. So I put Assassins in first and pressed side B. The disc went in and spun up without an issue. So I swapped it back around and watched it normally. Both discs played and flipped perfectly. I couldnt be too annoyed that it didnt malfunction, it just proves the fault is intermittent.
Went there again today and watched
White Men Can't Jump (great transfer) and it played and flipped perfectly.
I think it makes sense to order a few grip rings while theyre in stock because I suppose it will only deteriorate over time.
Thanks again for your advice Kurtis.