That's something I've never heard before. Maybe it's true? I've tried playing other regions in dvd players and they usually just say "Wrong Region" and don't play.
It's not possible for the dvd player to right anything to the dvd - dvd's are read only, so it's not possible for the dvd to change. The only thing that would change is the dvd player (like a configuration file or something).
The more I think about it, the more I think the compusmart guy isn't dvdsmart (sorry)
But, what do I know. I'd say don't buy the dvd's as gifts because without a region free dvd player those people won't be able to play them.