MSD or Crane...Most reliable ignition?

[RedBarchetta]

My MSD 6AL is now being serviced at the MSD "factory" in Texas. My diagnostic checks on the whole ignition system were inconclusive, so I'm taking the shotgun approach and replacing the Blaster 2 coil, the magnetic pick-up (even though the 600ohms of resistance was just within tolerances), along with a new cap and rotor. Essentially, every electrical component that triggers a spark is either being diagnostically gone over or replaced.

I have been reading many other automotive forums on the whole multiple spark discharge box thingy and have learned that many an MSD owner has found him/herself stranded on the road (including me). I know several here have stated they keep a non-MSD distributor in their trunk just for this purpose. On long hauls I can see the merits of this. But if they are not that reliable, then why bother?!?

Is there a better mousetrap toward having a high-energy ignition without going to MSD? Crane sells a unit....Jacobs sells a unit. I just have a slight problem buying an ignition from a company (Crane) that is known more for camshafts. You don't order a steak when you go to an Italian restaurant.

Comments/suggestions?!?

-Deano