Howdy Ed....

To your points...yes...I've heard similar stories.

I'm still in research mode.
I tend to think the technology (in this context) has been there for a couple of decades and proved itself worthy....if we're willing to pay for it, that is. smile
Yep....and those that have had problems maybe went to cheap.
I'm sure that's happened to many of when were talking a few hundred buckaroos.

I don't know if there are headphone mics with the typical cable or not.
I haven't seen them....yet.
The 'lapel' mic isn't grabbing me and tend to think it wouldn't be as robust a choice over time when accounting for any of my performing (exaggeration) clumsiness.

Ha....well, thank you sir for the generous rocking fossils comment. smile

Thanks for chiming in Ed....I need all the guidance I can muster.