If you really want a carbon bike, I'd say go for it and enjoy it. I know many people who swear by them.

If it were my money (and my perspective, or course), I'd get a really nice chromoly frame, like a Tommasini Tecno or the like. Or a nice titanium frame.

Like several others here, I think carbon is an amazing material, but feel it is overhyped/marketed in the non-professional sector. In my opinion, most of us really don't see any real benefit from it other than bragging rights on having a really light bike that looks kind of like the pro bikes. I personally do not like how they ride (from the ones I've ridden) when compared to a nicely made steel or ti frame of similar geometry.

The material itself is prone to catastrophic failure if it is damaged, but if kept in perfect condition it should last forever (assuming the CF/AL interfaces are glued well enough). It's your call.

I personally know at least 8 people who have experienced failures of carbon components that have resulted in injuries, and probably a dozen others who have broken their carbon stuff (without injury). I know one person who has busted a steel frame - at a lug - he still rode it to a convenient stopping point. I know 2 people who have experienced failures of aluminum handlebars or stems. This over the past 35 years of being "into" cycling in its various forms. That is enough direct exposure for me to determine that I really don't need to have a bike with a carbon frame, or a fork with a carbon steerer, or carbon handlebars.

Do what you like, but consider the power of marketing in our culture.