Is there any way to save downloaded content from your Wii?

Our Wii is on the fritz and it seems to be the disc reader that's not working. We've tried using air duster, with no success. NINTENDO website sells a Wii lens cleaner for around $20 (not including shipping) but if that doesn't work they want you to send it in to be fixed and the average repairs are between $50-$100. For all of this frustration, we began contemplating trading it in at a game store and using whatever credit we'd get towards a refurb from them. However, my hubbie downloaded a ton of content for Guitar Hero and Rock Band. Is there anything we can do to save this content? And if not, has anyone heard of Nintendo issuing a credit for the points spent? He's spent well over $100 in Wii points. Any suggestions/ideas?