I agree that the Robart red valves are total junk! I have had a couple of them leak as well too.However I also had one of the Robart blue valves that leaked really bad.I have since gone strictly to the newer BVM high flow gear valves or UP units.The BVM high flow valves are only like 15 bucks more and work flawlessly everytime!The UP valves are more $$, but if you need more versatility on certain gear/door setups then they are the way to go
This is just my opinion of course
I feel that with the amount of $$ we have invested in our jets,saving a few bucks on a gear valve isn't worth it when you go to put your gear down only to realize that they arent working at all! So my opinion is( long story short) that if you pay a little more now for a higher quality gear valve you won't take a chance later trashing your expensive paint job or ordnance on a gear up landing!!
This of course doesnt do you any good if you have a leak in your gear directly but it surely knocks out one more potential headache in your gear setup.I also always use a pair of air gauges to monitor air support,these are your best friend too!
Steve