halfnut,
I'm interested in your comments about the cracked transfer pumps. I've never heard of this problem ( not that I've heard of EVERYTHING by a long shot ).
How long ago did this happen at your carrier ? And, when you say it caused a loss of fluid in "each" system, I take it you mean BOTH hyd systems ? Did this happen in flight ?
As you mentioned, the -9 has some of the best systems design when it comes to dealing with abnormal conditions. Simple is better any day.