That Somec stem may never fail. It is just I would have that fear in the back of my mind, so it might limit my effort. There probably is enough material left to avoid a problem, it is perception for sure on my part.

An allied example would be a few years ago at the World Cup races held at the carson velodrome, during the sprint competitions you could hear the creaking of the bar/stem/steerer connection often, that would just give me pause if I was the rider. True, nothing broke while I was watching save carbon in a crash but I always wanted utmost confidence in my equipment. Way back when I exchanged an alloy bar/stem set for Cinelli Steel on my track bike, I was very happy, it just felt more secure, with that gives the confidence that one can throw all one's effort into the acceleration.

My archaic view would probably have had me a laggard to switch to alloy bars and stem on the road if I was riding in that era too. I liked sleeved bars instead of bulge formed clamping area types when I raced. Perception is a strong factor.