I don't know if you have this in your town, but there's an old school shoe store near me that has actual sales people who know their stuff. They've never led me astray.

My current ones are Ecco boots, but I credit the store more than the boots.

It's not a very very long time. Rain will wash it away. However in a desert, you're right.

I wouldn't discount rust. I've had to change my rotors more frequently than pads due to rust (I drive a Prius). That said, I live in a state that oversalts their roads more than an amateur chef.

Does leftpad count as a collapse?

and tons of hot jobs in tech You probably didn't intend the pun, but you made a good one anyway.

If you can't afford the space or money for a mortar and pestle, I maintain that a cheap coffee grinder gets you 80% of the way for 80% less effort. Can't make pesto with it though :-(