Longevity of AR gear reduction starter

[dassub]

Has anyone had the Auto Ricambi gear reduction installed long term?

I've had it working flawlessly since July 2020 and just under 2000km, but have run into starting issues this weekend in the hot summer heat (no crank).

I'm pre-emptively changing my old weak battery with a nice AGM Odyssey battery next week, but I'm starting to suspect the new starter being heat soaked like the terrible stock starter was, but it's been bulletproof for the 2 years I've had it so far.

I should add that while I should look into the ignition switch, the car also has a button hidden under the dash that bypasses the ignition switch entirely - which also failed to work this weekend, aside from loud clicks from under the hood.

[TX82FIAT]

While I do not have the AR gear reduction starter I do have the Vicks gear reduction starter and I believe they are the same identical unit. I've had it working perfectly since 2009. I wonder if an ignition switch issue could cause issues with the full engagement and disengagement of the pinion gear on the flywheel?