There is no SD vs. Zoom argument from me. I figure people should use whatever they prefer; both have their advantages and disadvantages.
I completely understand "the pain of using 'outdated' top tier gear", though, or, at least, the cost of getting it repaired. I guess there are (at a minimum) two factors, one of which is the older parts becoming more rare and difficult to source and the second is that (probably) SD wants to make it painful enough that you go for non-outdated top tier replacements! I noticed that the MP-2 is in the $795 category. In my opinion, you would have to be crazy to fix one at that rate...