[Ozarkguy]

Yet it seems the allover truth is if you perform maintenance on a timely basis, stuff can still happen but for the most part it is somewhat tractable! Is that right or where have I gone wrong?

Harry

Harry that applies to anything mechanical, but with big ticket items it seems more important.
I've been in aviation 45 years.. we always say that if you want to arrive where you intended you will spend the time and money required to properly maintain..... If you don't someone else will sooner or later...