The tolerances are designed to be tighter, hence the wear has to be higher particularly in gritty conditions. But for me the benefit is sufficient compared to chain devices, etc. that it’s a cost I’m prepared to pay. I get about half a year in Swinley / SE sandy mud which is £50-80 per year depending on what you buy but of course YMMV (literally!) A quid a week isn’t outrageous.
Not sure yet whether RF vs SS vs On-one are substantially different for longevity, have been on RF until recently but went up a ring size to see if my little legs were strong enough (OK, i also added a cassette extender at the back too 😳 ) and opted for a £20 On-one ringmaster as it was only a trial. Ask me again in 6 months time…….
Stainless ones might be an idea but something has to wear, and if it’s not the chainring I do wonder if roller and plate wear on the chains would increase instead. And at £20-25 a throw for On-one / SS, that’s similar territory to chains anyway.