I agree...
Even if I can't fix something easily, at least I learned something that I
can use next time. With the cost of them coming down so quickly, once you
invest in a service manual and spend a few hours looking at it, you could
have purchased a new monitor for the same relative cost. Or be like my
friend who purchases used 19-20" monitors for
15−20 maximum at an
electronics surplus house.
If the problem is in the computer control circuits, it simply isn't worth
the expense to repair. Replacement flybacks are usually available however
again, the cost is usually more than the monitor is worth. My motto is that
if I am approaching 1/3rd the cost of a new monitor on the repair of
something old then it is time to cut my losses.
Of course, this is just my opinion, your mileage will vary...
Kirk S.