Well, there are no pain neurons inside of the central nervous system, so they literally cannot feel anything when you record or 'clean' the tips of the electrod

Well, there are no pain neurons inside of the central nervous system, so they literally cannot feel anything when you record or 'clean' the tips of the electrodes. Besides, since electricity takes the least impediant path, the current can only flow locally, i.e. over the non-sensing scarring cells. There is not harm to the subject, only to the scar tissue. Human electrodes can last a lifetime if they are properly done. Look at a pace-maker. They last decades. Granted they are not for individual neuron recordings, but they work great. The first deep brain stimulation patients are about 5 years old now and they seem to be doing fine as a whole, the Parkinson's disease symptoms are significantly lessened and their quality of life is very improved. It'll take more time and effort, but yeah, I think we can overcome the gliosis, though it is probably gong to be a drug interaction with the mechanical/electrical that will do it, not just electrical alone.