Protect mode can happen to any brand receiver. Your brother used it 10 times in 3.5 yrs.? Humidity probably played a big part in his problem, from not being used, and just sitting there. Not good for any electronics to just sit there.
If you do a search, you'll find that most of the threads about protect mode is for Sony receivers. But there's also some for other brands too. Here's one for Denon: http://www.hometheaterforum.com/forum/thread/224581/denon-protection-circuit-question
Here's one for Marantz: http://www.hometheaterforum.com/forum/thread/127194/marantz-sr7300-and-protect-mode
How about one for Harman Kardon: http://www.hometheaterforum.com/forum/thread/204422/amp-going-into-protection-mode-with-rear-channels
Don't forget Yamaha: http://www.hometheaterforum.com/forum/thread/190557/problem-with-new-htr-5760-protection-triggers
Oh yeah, Pioneer has it's problems too: http://www.hometheaterforum.com/forum/thread/280300/pioneer-vsx-1014-shuts-off-intermittently
If you checked the links, you saw that all brands have problems, including your precious Pioneers!
But you choose to join and immediately make your very first post whining and crying about how much Onkyo sucks, because your brother had a problem with his after it sit for 3.5 yrs., and was hardly used! If you don't want problems with electronics, I'd suggest you never buy another piece of electronics, of any brand! Then you'll be assured of not having any problems.............
