Gees no offense guys, but that is interesting advice. I have been flying warbirds and other"hard to fly" planes such as GeeBees and 30's racers now for at least 10 years. I have lost only 2 of them. 1 to being "shot down" by another flyer on the same frequency (A Gee Bee Z with 30 or so flights). now it is always possible as I've just noted to lose a plane, BUT I have 2 airplanes flying 6 and 12 years each, both "hard to fly" Racers from the '30's a TF P-40 in its 3rd season with at least 50 flights and a corsair with over 50 flights in its first season alone.
Warbirds will last just as long as any other airplane, the key is to maintain the airplane and your piloting skills appropriately. I keep my airplanes in good shape taking care of maintenance items and being careful to always run my engines rich with enjough power that I don't have to peak the engine to make the airplane perform. I also fly them realistically. 90% of all Warbird deaths are Pilot inexperience. mostly because sport planes are light and can be hauled around like a Toy. Heavy metal isn't forgiving. I saw that exact example last night at our home field. a relative novice was horsing his trainer around which was fine, but I told him If you try to fly your heavy Astro Hog like that you'll snap roll it in. same goes for any short wing High power heavy airplane. fly it and maintain it properly and it will last you for years!

don't give in to the ARF bug Build a TF P-47 first and learn to fly Warbirds on it as it is the easiest to fly and the most forgiving plane. what I found invaluable to learning these planes was a healthy dose of flight time in full scale airplanes. learn to emulate the full size and you'll fly well and without mishap for many years.

Another good example is a friends Ziroli Corsair now in its 18th season, with hundreds of flights.
anyway Good Luck and read the rcwarbirds.com webpage on flying Warbirds. you'll learn a lot.
Mike