re: How long should breakers last?

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Not that is has anything to do with your situation, but you'd be surprised to find out every breaker, receptacle, and switch in your house could be tightened a quarter of a turn minimum.

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Over torquing is actually a part of the problem with AFCIs. It used to be a common service to commcercial and industrial customers to scope their electrical systems and tighten loose connections. It wasn't long before the instances of burnt connections increased to a point where studies were initiated and it was discovered that loose connections were rarely the problem but broken and damaged conductors due to over tightening was usually the problem. Most manufacturers started using various torque limiting screws on connections at this time.

If a device is energized initially and stays energized the odds or it will always remain energized until someone does something that opens the circuit. The longer it remains energized the less likely it will change condition without some input from someone or something. If it does not stay energized initially the installer will fix it because they won't be paid otherwise, most likely. Any maintenance on those connections is, usually, a waste of effort and will do more harm than good. If it was installed properly the first time it needs nothing and if it worked initially it normally needs nothing. If it does it will be VERY obvious...the device will stop working.