Well, CD-R's aren't as reflective as pressed CD's. Atleast PS2's are reportedly wearing out faster wit -R's. I quess it needs to use more power in the laser, thus heating up and wearing and tearing.
You are telling me there is a known life span for a PS2 and we know who has never used a CD-R and who has, and that those who still have working units have reported their units still work and declared they never used a CD-R etc. ? You get my point, where does this information come from ?
Laser pickups use a lens. I am not aware of any variable power control feedback loop - I may be wrong, but it seems improbable. Where is your evidence for CD-R's being less reflective ? It is either going to be reflective enough to work or its not.
This has got to be some urban legend or clever propaganda to combat copying.
Edit : Beaten to it - Gruntfuggly makes the point more quickly and more eloquently