I have owned two 44's and managed to avoid replacing blades due to AD's. I will not own another Robinson product.
Still the most affordable 4 place option even with these issues. Got a hell of a deal on mine because it had the -5 blades on it. Even after replacing them in a few months I'll be way ahead of the game capital cost-wise. If you can afford to own and fly a more capable aircraft than an R44 more power to you, but I can't.