Tivo Mini for Broken Roamio (No HDMI)?

Roamio HDMI does not work, but the unit still records and I can watch on other Tivos. It has lifetime subscription. I spent $100 at weaKnees and they said it has no HDMI and they can't fix it.

So I'm thinking instead of buying another Tivo+Lifetime, what would it be like to get a $149 Mini instead? Will my user experience be the same with 30-second skip, etc? Season pass management? Anyone have a Mini?

Any other ideas on fixing the HDMI? What could be wrong that weaKnees could not fix it - can't they replace any blown chip on the board? Why won't they tell me why they can't fix it?

Thanks.