Do I need the 580?

[Jamesy]

It would be interesting to see the ratio of 580EX/EXII's that have this problem

We start with 2 - failed
My EXII, 4 EX - no failure

So far

2 failed
5 no failure

Not sure if you mean this has turned into an impromptu poll but I'll bite:

My two 580EXII's are both fine and I bought them in 2008.
In my little Strobist community here in Toronto I have not heard of any failures related to Canon flash either.