It can gain you at least theoretical durability if you manage to increase the
flange to flange distance for greater spoke bracing angle.
Pairing a Single Speed Cassette hub with 5-6 cogs will get you there. Almost
"old school" at this point, but certainly a viable option.
Further reading
I honestly don't think dropping below 7 speeds will gain you any durability and
if you are running 1X you'll surely miss the additional intermediate gears.
7 spead Shimano Deore was pretty much bullit proof with the advantage of having
an awesome indexing thumb shifter ( switchable to friction)
On my Proto-Gus I've been riding the 1x11 that Riv built up and it works well
for what it is. However, part of what it is is fussy, and this plays poorly
with my own fussiness. Sardonic grin. High torque mountain riding and
waffer-thin mint cogs require fine calibration and my ogre riding and
