TommyL
The 737 is a good choice for a comparison. Two unexplained fatal crashes in the early 90's resulted in a a modification programme to the rudder control system that was not scheduled to be completed until 2010. So in effect what you say would not happen to a 737 is exactly what did happen. The paying public were flying on aircraft with a known defect for years that could lead to total loss of control.
The Rudder Story