I seem to remember reading somewhere that the shutters on my Nikon D1H and D2Hs SLRs are supposed to be good for about 300,000 shots. I wouldn't be too surprised to learn they typically fail at fewer cycles if used under very demanding and harsh conditions.
The newspaper I do work for has had the shutter replaced on at least one of its photo department D1H or D2Hs cameras in recent years, of which I am aware. I think it was surprisingly inexpensive -- a relative term. Even at a few hundred bucks the replacement was less costly than buying a new camera body for three grand.
Lens mounts also are subject to wear and damage, especially with today's large and heavy zoom lenses. They, also, are and should be replaceable.
If you use your camera hard, it probably isn't a bad idea to send it out for a good cleaning, lube job and checkup at least once a year. Same goes for lenses. If an overhaul is indicated, it may be worth getting done.
To get back on topic here, the only VR (or IS) item in my kit is a Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom lens. I am frequently awed by what the VR actually can do, especially in shooting theatrical, dance or cabaret performance photos in which the lighting is less than ideal and slower shutter speeds are the order of the day. VR really does work.
G.
