Don't understand the serp belt hate. It's cheap, once you change one it should be a five minute process. I have had more than one fail at less than 100k. I may be spoiled, last transverse motor I had was circa 1998 and a belt tried to waylay a honeymoon. Ford v8 was actually the most irritating. Mercedes was easy. Subarus generally are but the idlers and tensioner are fragile, hence the reason I had all of those spare in the car.
Way I see it, quick roadside fix or a long walk to the parts store, or a tow, or stranded at night. Snow iced the pulley and kicked them off, any other myriad of ways, I have fixd a few on the shoulder.