I believe this is a marketing conspiracy...

knowing that the Old models PS3 are expensive to produce, they came up with this idea of setting a dateline for your PS3 lifespan.

I.E Hardcore players- 2-3 years the most
Usual players- 4-5 years

And they would also turn a blind eye if at YLOD happens and blame it on you players for not giving the machine a good rest after gaming while Knowing that is actually their design flaw.

Thus, promoting existing customers to buy their new design PS3 which is cheaper to produce and also selling almost the same cost.

In the end, who earns? Sony earns.