"windward sheeting traveler" . . . I assume you mean the jib track? Regardless, some of what you describe is not Harken gear. The screws you refer to that pulled out probably would have gone regardless what blocks were attached. It sounds a little like the guy who hates 'Ford' (substitute any manufacturer here) because the last one he had lost an alternator, blew the radiator hose, kept having dead batteries and flats. We all have had bad experiences on boats or cars, but it's critical to find the cause of the failure and assign the blame correctly. Although the problems you describe sure sound like you've had more than your fair share of Harken failures, it still may not be all Harken's fault. Of course, it may all be their fault, just to be impartial.
<br>Many loads put on the equipment can be seriously amplified through operator actions. I know I've been able to track down all my equipment failures to actions of my own: 1) Age, 2) Deferred maintenance or cleaning, screws pulled out because I didn't rinse the boat after salt sailing and the corrosion ate bigger holes, or I let dirt get in the blocks or cleats which then wore out the bearings, 3) exceeding loads, letting the traveler run from one side of the boat to the other on a jibe in 30 knot winds, (blown-up main blocks?) 4) not lubeing, oiling, checking etc.
<br>These boats are high maintenance, but most of us don't do it. Most equipment is old. Use Lewmar, Ronstan Oxens, Harken, whatever. Lube it, clean it, cover it, it can last a long time. Ignore it or abuse it, it will break.
<br>Just sail. I hope you never have another equipment failure.<br><br>