The heavy practice requirement brings up another question:

Durability & reliability, what have you discovered to keep your equipment in good condition... what holds up to the abuse? what doesn't? Most weekend flyers aren't use to considering this level of durability. I would like to plan ahead and build for durability & reliability. Are there choices of equipment that seem to work out better in the long run?

I assume building & covering to prevent oil soaking is pretty critical!