I installed a lam floor in my mom's house back in Oct/Nov of 2003. It's a Pergo Prodigy lam floor. Even on sale it was pricey. She had 2 dogs, a cat and a me running over the floor during visits. She keeps a clean house and sweeps and mops the floor on a regular basis. That's the secret to keeping floors and carpets in good shape, sweep and vacuum often. Afterall dirt is like sandpaper when walked on. So the floor still looks good after 2+ years.
It's true, you get what you pay for but if you take care of it and don't abuse it it will last longer.
If you do it yourself take your time. No doubt TJ can help more than me but should you decide to do this yourself get/rent/borrow/don't steal a sliding miter cross cut saw and a table saw. These two tools are essential in doing the floor. I used a 40 tooth blade, no burning/clean cuts. If you get a pro like TJ then stand back, keep an eye and leave them alone to work.
Good luck.
Best if a high powered cleanser doesn't clean it, the best best would be to match the stain colour and sand it down a bit...but don't get crazy, you don't want a miss shapen floor!!