The Apple Store replaced the entire display assembly of my late-2008 MacBook Pro in January 2013 for free, long (long, long) after the warranty expired. The aluminum lid was separating from the glass bezel near the left hinge, making the laptop difficult to close or open safely.
Apparently there is a documented issue with the adhesive used to hold the display together. Apple must have issued some guidance to tech staff that it is a permissible out-of-warranty repair. My work order referenced article EM209.