I shouldn't think the lack of paperwork would be any handicap unless you are hoping for a warranty fix.

I replaced my Hi7 with an A2 and bought another for my daughter immediately on the release of the A2. All three are still going strong. Both A2s have been on numerous expeditions and seriously used with no problems (tempting providence) so on my experience I wouldn't say there is an endemic problem with the EVF.

Apart from the noise in poor light and slow autofocus I've found it a good camera worth getting repaired.