Here's my take...
Whatever hunting or fishing gear I buy, I buy the best I can possibly afford. If it doesn't start with a B, I don't buy that shotgun. I have Browning, Beretta, and Benelli in my arsenal. My primary handguns all start with a G
I don't own a single fishing reel that's not Shimano. 4 Chronarchs, 4 Curados, 1 Calcutta and 8 assorted spinning reels. Same in the rod department.
The very reason I buy the best is so it will last years without any problems. If you want a new reel, just go buy it. There's no way you have gotten the life out of those Shimano reels. I expect at least another 10 years of life out of mine, if not more. Buy once, cry once.