>If you can afford to spend 10's to 100's of thousands of dollars
>(possibly millions) then there are firms that can diagnose the
>failures for you. They can use X-ray machines, remove the packaging
>and inspect with a scanning electron microscope, as well as other
>exotic and expensive procedures to determine the precise nature
>of failure.

Doesn't have to be that expensive. Look for labs that can do PIND testing, 
which is what we use for failed space qualified devices. The only part I 
don't know is how they would get on de-encapsulating plastic devices, as all 
our stuff is ceramic or metal cans which are easily opened. 

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