True - actually if the sprocket can be made to last properly isn't that good enough? My new sprocket is behaving very well at the moment so wear does seem to be the bugbear.
Speaking as someone who is probably soon to be stung for the cost of a new back sprocket I would agree! I'm very interested in the idea of replacing the teeth of a worn out sprocket with polyurethane teeth, certainly sounds like it could simply work and worth the effort of getting an old sprocket across the pond and back. The current rear sprocket does not come cheap.