As long as you have access to a 'smith who can put it back on face, jOe.
Let me know when you need a Darne put back on face.
Darnes have a well earned reputation world wide for frustrating Murphy's law. There are about half the internal parts involved in a Darne, so you may want to retool your thinking. Trips to a gunsmith for regular maintenance are mostly frowned upon by those who build them, and cleaning was described as "optional" in the pre WWII set of directions I have.
Purdey's, don't. Regular trips to the 'smith are understood to be part of the deal. Yes, with proper care, either is going to be a lifetime gun. But, the care part is far more involved, expensive and more often on the sidelock.
You are mistaken if you assume someone who works on pumps earns the kind of living a top doublegun 'smith earns. Or, that gunsmiths of any ilk spend lots of time fixing pumps.
You suggested an English sidelock is more reliable than a pump. You offer no evidence. I beg to differ, and pointed out a test that could prove you were out to lunch on that thinking.
"War" was declared on your gun by someone with a hacksaw. Not me.
I'll get you a Benelli if you want to take the test.
But, I suggest you don't. You will lose.
Best,
Ted
