ORIGINAL: Mike Wiz
You're right, Keith. The life expectancy of an electric motor far exceeds that of a glow engine. Airframes, servos and everything else lasts longer too because there is no vibration wear or fuel residue. But us modelers still want the latest and greatest so there will be a continual market for suppliers to sell to.
I guess that all depends. If you have a crash with a glow engine, it will most probably survive it. I don't know what happens with an electric. I think the average modeler will have some incidents along the way. Chances are he will then buy a new motor.
You are right about the rest of the airplane (airframe, servo's). There will be a difference there.
Volkert