I'm with you on this Jesso.
Similar situation, although gigging in Scotland. Gears their to be used and when it breaks it gets fixed or replaced.
Again, I agree that if you buy decent gear that's built to last, more often than not it will. We also keep our gear (inc bass) in an insulated trailer and then in an alarmed lockup. After playing 4 hours and travelling another hour or two home it's convenience that counts, not the finish on your bass