I'll be using mine way more that three years.
My Chanel Jumbo patent navy classics gets more compliments than I ever imagined and so does my patent Jimmy Choo!
This is what I am thinking of getting..in a bright green patent color (unfortunately not avail in the neiman marcus online but i saw the color in the nm catalog)
Unless it were a clutch or something, I personally wouldn't buy a super expensive patent leather (large/oversized) bag. I think it's just too much and I think many, even the expensive ones can look cheap easily. I also think it's definitely a trend. Im sure some people will carry them years down the road, but I think it's something that (I) would tire of too quickly.
I personally am not a huge fan of patent except in small doses. I think if it's something tasteful, like CL patent shoes or a small clutch, it looks fine. But anything beyond that, I agree that it gets kinda "cheap" looking.
I wasn't a big patent leather fan either; however, I fell in love with an Elliott Lucca satchel (black patent) which I purchased last fall. Patent is actually timeless, although, not everyone can wear it well....