Actually, nothing wrong with the sound at all. It sounds great! I did look at the stylus with a microscope and it seems fine. I guess I am just being paranoid...
Regarding stylus life, my last three preamps all had hour meters on them which has helped me estimate the hours of use. I estimate only about 25% of my listening is to vinyl now. I do a lot of streaming, and use a music server. Sure, records are better, no question, but I do enjoy the deep music libraries of Mog, Pandora, and Rhapsody.