Questions from a Tube Preamp newbie

I used to be a "solid state bigot" but about a year ago replaced my solid state preamp with a tube model.
1.  How long do they last?  I suspect it depends on how much current is running thru them.  In my experience, tubes seem to start to sound "dull" in power amps after a year or so, but in preamps, last much longer, being that they don't flow so much current.  I have a friend whose preamp tubes are 8 or 9 years old.
2.  When I got my new tube preamp it seemed that the tubes seemed to "settle in" in about 100 hours of playing time.
3.  I replaced the stock tubes with Gold Lions, and I found the sound improved immediately, especially female vocals, acoustic piano and violin.  After the Gold Lions broke in, they sounded even better than the stock tubes.
4.  For the preamp I own, most people seem to enjoy the Gold Lions.  My preamp came new with JJ tubes and they were OK, but not as "musical" as the Gold Lions.

@ejr1953   Did you get your Gold Lions from Cryoset?

I wouldn't use the term sparkle to describe the Brimars, I would say they have a nice amount of "air" in the highs, a very realistic sound.
RCA Cleartops and Amperex have sparkle, meaning extended highs. Never tried JJs.

My zus have the super tweeters and I do not want to add more sparkle. Now “air” should be fine. I may try a set. I guess if i thought they were a smidge too bright, i could always just use two and use two jjs

Yes, using a different tube type as cathode follower gives you an almost endless variation of sonics. Rogue responds very well to tube rolling and  there are many different 12AU7's.

Hi , I have a Rogue RP-1, not as nice  , but some similarities. I replaced the JJ’s after about 10 hours . I use medical grade NOS Telefunkens . I have 3 sets. I started with NOS RCA 12AU7WA tripple mica’s. Nice sound . I have NOS Mullards ECC 82’s , sounds like somebody threw a blanket over my system . Kinda like pushing the Dolby button on a cassette player . I also have 2 pairs of Seimens nickel plates and Amperex Holland . For my taste and in my system the Telefunkens are hands down my favorites . The Seimens are second , very linear and defined , but a little bright on the top . The Amperex are even brighter . Unless I change speakers , I’ll stay with the Telefunkens . I just took a pair out with about 5000 hrs . The Tectronix labels had changed color from the heat . Popped in a new pair and could tell a difference . I feel about 100 hours on the tubes have them settled in . Also I like NOS Tungsram and the E I crossed swords too . So for me , I spend on good NOS Telefunkens and for budget Tungsram . Although the Seimens are pretty sweet . I assume you have a quality power cord ? I also have had good results with Morrow MA5 interconnects, after 600 hrs . As far as Rogue, they tell most people to run Mullards . They even suggested them to my buddy for his 180 mono blocs . I’ve had Hiss Problems too . I just had hiss on one side , so I changed Tubes . I didn’t bother to see if just needed reseating, I just replaced them . Also with four Tubes , if one is gain and one is phase ( ask them ) changing just one tube per side will have a big influence . The JJ’s are cheap and reliable , perfect for mass sales . So happy listening and I’ve babbled enough . Regards , Mike.