Thank you all those who replied.
I might use the opportunity to update to a ZWO AM3 as I could use the portability and the current rig is very very heavy. I'll then be able to look at the EQ6 without having to sweat about losing the opportunity of very rare clear nights.
I should be able to do the belt mod myself, though a critical case of laziness seems to hit me at inopportune times. I recall something about putting in tapered roller bearings and if that isn't too hard I might give that a go as well as it's always been easier to turn it (with the brakes off) one way than the other regardless of how picky I am about balancing. Till recently it's guided like a champ, when I don't put my DYI dew shield on anyway.
Even with some time to ruminate about it I still don't get how it could crash like that. The Plan had finished and it was supposed to home, something I've done many many times. Unfortunately the logging I could find on the ASIAIR is pretty rudimentary. I'll still continue to use the ASIAIR but perhaps be a little less trusting.
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