I'm exactly with you - with the added Complication that when somebody does endurance testing (e.g. Backblaze), by then a) manufacturer started using different

I'm exactly with you - with the added Complication that when somebody does endurance testing (e.g. Backblaze), by then a) manufacturer started using different components for that SKU, and / or manufacturers no longer produce those SKUs. Almost by definition, you can only see endurance when it's too late (see the ibm desk star saga). Bottom line, you can try to trust the manufacturer reputation, purchase channel, and price points / specs, but you can never be sure - so backup like crazy :-)