Thanks
Haiiro, it's also got value in that the test consoles appreciate in value in the same way a (actually limited) LE would, so I don't feel like I'm throwing money away (lol). Additionally, it doesn't just play official discs, but just about anything the PS2 can read (which, by the way, doesn't include movie DVDs due to licensing, as I understand it) including backups, homebrew, etc.. Additionally, if you look in to one, you want a console from NTSC-U or PAL, rather than japan. Preferably the region that you're stationed in since there are occasionally some bugs with certain games, and most japanese debuggers were produced before the console was actually international, so they lack the region free feature. However, I don't believe this applies to all models, but I'm not positive. There's a lack of discussion on the matter. Check out AssemblerGames if you want to educate yourself further.
Retro, if you just want PS2 region free there are quite a few viable options. Some more tedious than others. Swap disc, FMCB, modchips, etc. Also PS2s are pretty chip internationally, so you could pick up a foreign system.