I have six Paynes 14X12s and eight of their nuc.s. Painting is a pain (heh, heh), but I'm meticulous about two coats inside and out, which makes them quite robust. I repaint as necessary. Mice chew away at the blocks underneath which support the observation 'board', but don't get farther than that. Probably my fault as I have golden marjoram and oregano all around the hives, which makes cover for the mice. Sigh.
I find there is one best place for the hive tool to avoid possible damage (centre on either side). Agree that the crown skin gets brittle. At key robbing times and wasp assaults, I use airline earplugs to block two of the four entrances, which really does work well.
I have four Paynes feeders, also double-painted and these are pretty good.
There you go. Hello again to those I know here and hello to those I haven't met before. A lot has happened to me since I last visited.