Ha, it sounds like we’ve had a similar journey. I was converting tires to tubeless a long time ago too - right around the time the first disc brakes were coming out. Very hit and miss in terms of reliability to say the least. Like you, I settled on latex after I got fed up the hassle of trying to force tubeless using non tubeless narrow rims and regular tires.
I’m amazed they are still making these 26 latex tubes! I’m not sure I’ve ever had one last as long as you, but they do last a shockingly long time. My sons 26 mtn bike has taken over some of my inventory now - among other nice parts from old bikes.