Input needed: Wacom tablet users ahoy!

My trusty five year old Wacom Intuos2 is still doing fine function-wise, but the contact sheet's pretty scuffed up given how much use it's seen, and Wacom, of course, does not seem to offer replacement sheets for a model this old. The Intuos4 has almost double the pressure sensitivity, but some awful reviews when it comes to longevity of the pen nibs/contact sheet, with Wacom actually suggesting taping a piece of plastic over the sheet to increase nib life!!

So, artists/graphic tablet users on my flist (or passing by), any words of wisdom on tablet choice i.e. get an Intuos3 or see if the Intuos4's actually better by now? Or maybe you have some killer substitute for Intuos2 cover sheets? What have your experiences been?