I'd like to try and clarify:
1. I use the plane for small piece on end-grain, like hand plane parts and other small things. I'm not talking furniture size stuff here. and yes IT IS A GOOD PLANE FOR THAT, I like it better than a 60 1\2.
2. I sharpen only free hand - sometimes over a hollow but mostly just free hand. I think what Derek said about me being heavy handed with it might be a good point. all my bevel down planes hold up well, but my two bevel-up block planes don't seem to hold an edge as well. maybe it's something about BU planes? in any case I will work of my approach with working with them. Thank you Derek that is a very good point.
3. I'd rather not get into to pluses and minuses of the Apron plane design. for example I personally I don't the Norris adjuster - it has no sensitivity to laterals adjustments, and the blade shape makes it very hard to reach with a hammer. I much prefer lateral adjustment with a hammer and a regular screw for depth. but that has nothing to do with the point. I also tend to loosen the wheel without noticing, the Stanley wheels like on the 60 1\2 and the 102 are more out of the way. but this post for me is only about blade life, other people I'm sure like all those features.
4. no matter how many of you feel you might never wear out the blade, it doesn't mean much because you must be a light user of the tool. let me explain - 3\8 = 12\32. if a blade chips you can easily los a 1\32. I use the tool with pride, it hits knots, tough end grain and what not, and even if I were very careful, things happen, I once hit a hidden nail in some otherwise clear looking reclaimed timber. so if I had to grind it 12 times over the years, which may sound like a lot but it's not if you use to tool 15 times a week, I would be out of blade (and that doesn't include regular sharpening). so the tool just doesn't have a life span suitable for someone who does not have a LV store in their back yard and that actually uses it. that's how I feel, take it or leave it. I truly think a high end tool should be able to be a workhorse.