All the flybacks I build the last years have problems with the transistor (at low rpm)
If I'm standing befor a traficlight, I can't run my engine up to 2500 rpm........they will ask me if I'm grazy.
I know for models they use or thry to use as less as psossible component, every component cost money and is weight.
Thats why I want to use a differend kind of HV-board for my bike, not one who need by eveery traficlight a new transistor.
Not one of the HV-boards we have build is using a "shutoff" of "slowdown" if the capacitor is loaded.
Maybe just Jake do right now , a fresh look to the software, I think we need a fresh look to the hardware too.

http://users.triera.net/zupanbra/pdf/MC34063.pdf

I think you have to ask John, Charlie and all the others how many transistors they have blow the last copuple of years.