Dude, at least FutureShop is repairing it, you're lucky
I don't know much about NEC. My friend has a 19" and it's been fine so far.
And do not compare to things made 10 years ago. As everyone says they don't make things like they used to.
BTW my monitor is a Sceptre. 3yrs and it's as bright as it was the day I took it out; I still set the brightness at 10% or less.