Thanks to everyone for the information. It seems that these units are almost universally problematic...very disappointing! I too have had STI (Ultegra) STI levers fail in less than 10K miles. I think that I'll take advantage of Zona's wealth of experience and not bother with STIs. Maybe I'll get lucky with the new barcon and get the kind of longevity that he got!
Dennis T, you have described my failure exactly! I'll check the recumbant BBS. I am curious, where can one find this Microtech shifter - sounds encouraging!
One thing that I find interesting...my old tandem ran for well in excess of 10K trouble free miles with Suntour 6 speed indexed barcons - too bad that that company has vanished!
It seems that I have to agree with Wanseulak; the industry, or at least Shimano, doesn't consider us truly long distance cyclists. Back in the day when things were simple, my Campy Neuvo Record stuff never acted up; in fact I never recall ever having to replace brake pads-they never wore out or squeeked from drying out! I seem to wear out my Shimano pads every year!