all the parts WILL wear out in the drive train. My entry/mid level SRAM x7 (10spd) took almost 2yrs of HARD abuse before I had to put a new chain, cassette, and crank rings on. Now pedals like a new bike and can put down power w/o skipping a beat.
I remember my old LX 8spd stuff used to spit out cassettes every 3 months. If I have to spend $60-70 for a cassette, $30 for a chain, $50 on rings, I'd rather do it for a more modern drive train. But 11spd is now out but cost a fortune to run longer then a season....xx1 rear cassette is $399!!!!!!
BTW I have a 2011 rockhopper, but its a singlespeed w/ carbon rigid fork
Only needs lube and air to get it running. I run a 8spd chain on it cuz 1spd sram chains don't really use a power link. Great frame, bit of flex but a good flex.