David:
This is may seem like an out-dated reply, since I haven't flown a VQ-38 for almost 3 years, but I do love its flight characteristics
I got more than 200 good flights on a couple of them by doing some kit upgrades, most expensively: landing gear.
As you noted, besides keeping both fans blowing, there is NOTHING more important to the life expectancy of a 38 than strong, reliable landing gear.
After brief, frustrating flirtations with the kit gear, then higher grade Spring Airs, I finally opted for robust Robart 630 mains and 639 nose
It's a $300 upgrade, but I NEVER regretted it, and I think my last two VQ-38's lived long happy lives because of it and the 630/639's paid for themselves several times over
Make sure you order the correct bend on the nose gear: I can't remember if it's left or right without digging up a photo
Mark