Hull number questions

I'm searching for a Laser to add some small-boat fun to my life. My last Laser (in the late 70's) had 4 digits (first was a 6, as I recall), so I'm a little behind the times. My budget and quality-goals gets me to boats from late 90's to about 2010 or maybe a few years newer (I can AFFORD more, I just don't WANT to spend more!) I've read and looked and learned a bit, so now I have some questions.
* Are there any "bad" builders or years in that time frame?
* I've read about the fiasco in...

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