My comments about pride was less to you and more to the reading public. At the shop i routinely hear 'I haven't done anything for "X" time'. As though not doing any maintainance is a defence as to why the rider is not responsible for the bike's condition. Just riding the bike, with no incidents, wears the bike out. The maintainance (and that means replacing parts as needed as well as adjusting and lubing services) is what keeps the bike problem free and reliable.

The reason i suggested that you start (REPEATE, START) your investigation with the chain is the age of it and the ease to deal with it. Even if the chain is not the culprit after a couple of years of daily riding it is likely very well worn. I never said that the skipping issue wouldn't be the freehub pawls skipping past the notches, just that they are usually not the problem that you discribed. Andy.