My 2009 SL2 is the most amazing frame I've ridden and has been flawless. I haven't had any problems with my Specialized rings so I can't comment on that, but as far as the shifter cable problem. That is a lack of maintence, you have to really keep on top of replacing cables in shimano shifters, I replace mine every 3000 miles or so. You can get lucky and fish the end of the cable out of the shifter if you get lucky.