Phil, I know John's been through a few. Fixed each time but warranty repairs aren't free - they're $35 per - and I've read elsewhere that others have had similar experiences. I can't speak from experience but I think it's the blanks in general. John's had THREE rods replaced or repaired - the 7/8 and both the 3s (9' and 5.5'). Maybe it's just him but at least one other WNYer went through three 10' 4wt rods. Perhaps they're a little rougher on rods than most!
I forgot about John's 11' 7/8. lol. I know when Dave's 490 broke, he really wasn't doing anything crazy. It just snapped. I looked down stream and his nine footer was about a seven footer. lol. I'm afraid to use mine! lol.