I have never seen a regular stuffing box actually totally fail. And can always be fixed wherever you are without a haulout.

Jon,

Are you saying you would rather have a seal than an unmaintained stuffing box.

Would you rather sail on a unmaintained seal system or a maintained stuffing box?

Kindof like apples and oranges. As always I respect your experience, though. You have traveled on many more "unknown" boats than I have.

best,

Rich