Love, love, love looking at everyone's unique creations. I was away on vacation but just checked the end of the last thread that reached 5000 posts. Had questions I've wondered about, too, regarding the longevity of Pandora jewelry. This is not an inexpensive addiction.
Some ladies have been collecting for years and some are fairly new to Pandora. I fought it for a long time, know myself - knowing I'd jump head first and I did.

I am always on the lookout for P bracelets and can't say that I see many ladies wearing them when I am out and about. Weird, because I KNOW how popular they are.
As for them being sort of like worry beads - YES. When you are sitting somewhere and waiting, our bracelets are really something to look at.
I, too, have made mistakes and have a few extra beads I don't much care for. Guess there's always eBay to sell them. I wish they'd make better letter beads. I'm not liking either style too much and think they could do better than the two available choices. Not everyone likes oxidized beads. I do have a couple though.
I know there's a Pandora event in Sept. with a free bracelet with $__ ? purchase of beads but one thing's bugging me. There are a few beads I'd really like to get but I know they will be go out of stock come Sept. Wonder if I should buy a few of them over the summer?
Out of stock after Mother's Day was the kangaroo with joey in her pouch and that one is back around again.

I definitely want to get that cute little guy (gal).