My MK III 22/45 slabside is a relatively recent purchase as well. I didn't get it to be a collector item. I didn't get it to customize.
I got it to shoot.
And I have. Probably a thousand rounds thru it in three range sessions. I have had one failure to feed. One. And that was the first time out, gun was brand new and I hadn't cleaned it of the factory oil.
Am I pleased with this pistol? Damn right I am! It is accurate, reliable, and just a hoot to shoot. And if you just follow the directions and take your time, field stripping and reassembly are no big deal at all.
I'm not really concerned that Ruger has decided not to offer it anymore. Nature of the business beast to replace one model with a newer one. I may eventually get an SR22 pistol. I like its look a lot.
Maybe I'll just wait till I wear this one out.