John,
You are the sole reason I use saddles. After reading your (and Chris's) books I became a saddle hunter. I use them about 75% of the time. I do set a couple hangers for my downstate buddies who come up to hunt with me and I set them in great spots so I will go too them now and then. I also hunt from the ground about 25% of the time as well, something I've migrated too the past few years. I never use blinds, just ghilli suits and ponchos. I have 8 or 9 of them now for all seasons, and terrains in my area. But my most serious spots, and rut stands are all saddle stands.
As for care, I can't see anything I can do that would make them last longer, just figuring I'd buy new straps as necessary until TL went out of business. This is why I'm excited about the Aero Hunter, it fills the void. I almost bought a Guido, but talked to you and of course changed my mind.
So for me, I will just use them until they wear out and buy new ones. I don't see too much issue with wearing them out though, with the exception of the ropes and straps and hopefully, the Aero folks will offer these items individually as TL did. That should do it for me.
