My SM066 was bought in 2013 and is going strong. Yeah, the original probe wire sheath melted in one spot where it contacted the vent hole rim repeatedly, so I bought a redesigned replacement a couple of years ago, but I have never used the replacement since the old one still works! I replaced two of my chrome cooking grids two years ago when they became hard to get clean and got a bit rusty, with stainless grids (my personal rule is I clean everything that contacts food after every smoke). My smoker lives in an unheated garage, and I wheel it out onto the apron to use (I installed larger casters after I got the CS stainless steel storage cabinet unit for under my SM066 where I store all my wood chunks).
My SM066 produces consistently great BBQ. In the summer, I smoke 30 - 35 lbs of sockeye salmon when it is in season, and have that treat all winter. Overnight smokes for large cuts like butt or brisket are easy - start low, get lots of sleep with no worries, boost the temp in the morning, and done before dinner time. There is definitely a bit of a learning curve, but it is a fun thing!
You won't regret buying a SM066 Amerique.