Let me expound on that sludge thing.
The fluid was nice, cherry red. The bottom of the pan had a layer of sludge, blackish. It was thin except in the corners of the pan, where it had built up. There was a little bit of metal in the pan and the filter but I've seen (and caused) far worse.
I got the engine and the trans in about 3 yers ago, but the car sat for most of the next year. After I got to N I was trying to drive it once a month, but there were times it still sat for several weeks for various reasons. Now I'm making it a point to drive it once a week. Can any of that be the issue?
Either way, I agree with you. I'll drive it until and if I have problems.