Look at the TM Cougar with a U2 NXT gimbal Mod with Hall Sensors. You can find an overview of the mods for the Cougar here:
http://cougar.frugalsworld.com/mods.php#IJ_casingThe U2 NXT moves on high quality bearings. The hall sensors also have bearings and no contacts to wear. There is not much that can wear out on these. These do require assembly, but I thought the install of these mods were rather easy and well documented. If you don't own a screwdriver, you don't want to go this route. The U2 NXT/Hall Sensor modded Cougar will cost mabe a little over double the cost of a new unmodded Cougar. I plan to have this stick for a long time to come.
I have been flying a lot of FSX lately, and AH only once a week. I put in a few hours a day, maybe 4-6 hours on the weekends. My usage varies from a few hours a week, to more then I want to count or admit to
If your not into doing Mods, in my opinion the CH gear is great durability and long life.
Gunner