Is this really how it is?

[Irulan]

wheels and derailleur hangers are disposable. All it takes is one whack on a stump or a hard landing on a small jump and something is bent. If you are riding hard, you can easily bend rims. I went through at least three rear wheels adn two derailler hangers on my top of the line Kona.

Mountain biking is hard on bikes. Dirt, grit, impacts.... if you want it to stay all pretty and nice, keep it parked.

You might invest in a $12 chain checker tool. Then you can check your chain wear yourself, no need to have the shop do it.