RE: when servos should retired
I run-in my servos before installing and check before installation that the servo moves smoothly without any hick-ups. Like this I have gone past 500 flights and have never changed a Jet servo through failure. I always use JR servos and check that the surfaces are free and smooth, this is the critical thing for servo life. As stated servos get an easy life in turbine models, my Bandit with two TP Li-Po packs only use 150 mAh per pack per 10min flight.
Dave W