Something I do when changing out a lens such as a G2 is to let my laser cool down to room temp, I don't know that it's necessary but I believe it's a good idea.
---EDIT---
At least it's not 150.00 diode, I have killed my share of those, plus there's something nice about a fresh new LD.
How did yours die, you say it unbounded?
----EDIT----
No one gives up because of a 65 dollar diode, these are just some of my dead soldiers many costing 140.00 each, so what really happened ?
Your wife/parole officer stopped by for a surprise visit, took one look at that ceiling fan and your burnt monitor and took it away.
Was it something involving the fire department?
Come on man, laughter is the best medicine, show us some pics......I know, you were changing G2 lenses and decided to clean your diodes window with that silly clay, Right....be honest.
-------EDIT-------
Did you leave it in your pants pocket and send it through the washing machine?
I did that with a 5 dollar greenie once, dried the dam thing too, it was cooked.