Jim, from your experience, Monster seems to have an excellent warranty policy so I just may look into them after all.

I also take great care with my gear and for cables I use the over/under method of wrapping them so as not kink or break them. I have several audio cables that are 20 years old or more... a couple may be thirty years old and all are still in excellent condition.

The bluejean cable page certainly made for interesting reading - I'll look into the Belden stuff, which should be available in Montreal. Thanks to everyone for the feedback... much appreciated.