wow trixter just wow. you have freakin clue.
if you are the electrical engineer you say you are then i would find a new line of work.
the reason the pros direct solder everything is it will cause a zero resistance. and the chance of it coming disconnected is nilch.
the tamiya plugs are junk after use. they are somwhat ok if you never have to disconnect them.
i have seen them melt why. high resistance.

i am a mechanic and my specialty is electric.
there are some big no-no's in some repair. air bags, anything computer controller and anti-lock brakes.
if you do not direct solder these wires you will not fix the problem why because they are so dependant on resistance of the wire. if its off the lcomputer will not rear the correct value. basic ohms law.

i did not start this thread really to try and compare deans to traxxas to sermos to the new losi connectors.
my main problem was the sermos are a pain with my kids. yes i could glue the ends together but if i need to replace i will destry the connectors.
i tried to use the deans and they could not get them apart.
so i was asking what is the durability of the traxxas connectors over time.

if i was a serious racer and it was just me doing everything yes i would use deans but since that is not the case i asked the question.

and wfo do you really think that the added weight of the traxxas compared to the deans will make you not finish first. there is what about 1/2 ounce if that between the 2. if you make the wires the correct length you wont have the problem. both will flop around the same.