I don't want to answer your question with a question, but what kind of mowing are you doing? I have small engine customers (I work on them as well) that have worn out mower decks and engines on their entry level zero turns while the hydros have been fine. They just use them for their own yard on a mostly flat surface.
I think the issues with hydros on entry level zero turns come in when people are trying to start a lawn care business, and they buy a cheaper machine expecting it to hold up to commercial use and commercial (often not gentle) operators.
On the contrary, my grandfather owns a Scag 3-wheel rider he uses to mow his fields. It's a commercial grade machine that has been maintained yearly, and the hydro pump failed on it at just 800 hours. Cost $2,000 to replace. My advice since most of the entry level zero turns are very similar is to just buy the one that is the most comfortable to use.