Lowa Mountain Expert GTX Evo opinion

So after a bit of research and trying out different boots, the Lowa Mountain Expert seems to fit my bill in terms of comfort, rigidity and warmth for Alaskan winters.

The only thing that I'm not sure about is the long term quality. 

I've heard a few things about the rubber coming off after a few months of use and I've seen a pair of used ones at a REI garage sale that indeed had that problem.

But I'd like to hear other opinions. After all, we are all different and the way we abuse our shoes is no exception.