FWIW, I built a 496 stroker with a solid roller cam w/ MP bronze oil pump drive gear for my buddies 70 challenger. He has put quite a few miles on it on the street over the last 5 years. I too have heard stories about them not lasting so, I pulled the oil pump drive gear to inspect it recently. It had little to no wear on it. Looked good enough to me, so I stuck it back in. The timing has stayed put and no bronze has been found in the oil filters.
I wouldn't worry about it if I were you.