life span/failure rate of filter capacitors?

The point is, @rickysnit , the OP of that thread that got my attention did not have an amp in that kind of shape until he did. 

No, I’d bet something happened. A mod gone wrong, there is something missing. Anyway, I think it could be universally agreed that type of outcome is significantly unlikely in any normal scenario. Some other poster suggested rectifiers, there is something very abnormal with the power, it's along those lines, I'd put money on your amp being fine until you want another brand/type..

I’d put money on your amp being fine until you want another brand/type..

@rickysnit , I am hoping you are right; I’d like this amp to outlast me.

I did DM the OP of that thread, and he told me that Cary did get it serviceable and I am going to paraphrase, but he said that Cary gave him the impression that a smaller cap caused the power cap to fail. Electrical & electronics is a weak subject for me; I only know how to solder & desolder & remove & replace & read a MM, so I have no idea if that makes sense or not.

Or it could be a strange individual making up stories for forum entertainment.

Or it could be a strange individual making up stories for forum entertainment.

@rickysnit  , I suppose that anything is possible, but if you go through that thread you will note that the OP had photos (from a shared photo site that are no longer available) of the inside of his amp, and other members of A'gon did comment on those photos.  So if this was a made up story, the OP certainly went to what I would consider extreme lengths to do so.