In fact, little could be more reliable than such a simple mechanical device consisting of a cam actuated switch, and a capacitor. Points seldom just break, and when things stop working right, its normally the points gap gotten too small due to rubbing block wear.
The reason that I went to E.I. was twofold.
1) Points ignition systems have a limited RPM limit due to lack of sufficient dwell time (not angle), as well as the fact that the points begin to bounce (resonate) at some magical RPM.
2) As distributors age, the dist shaft bushes get sloppy, and the force that the points place on the shaft causes the shafts rotational rate to very as the points place variable forces on the shaft. This is where the ignition scatter comes in. Anyone with an old car and a timing light has seen what a 3 or 4 degrees of scatter look like when setting the timing. Its impossible as even setting the timing right results in pinging from time to time.
Also, check your coils spade terminals. If they are riveted, and they are loose, replace the coil. Trust me here, I went through a year or reliability problems that sound very much like what the Cobbmiester is experiencing before finding that intermittent fault.
If you are going to put in another ignition system, do it for the above reasons. Reliability should not be one.
Oh, and if you use points, replace the capacitor (condensor) often. It is far less robust then the points are.
Jarrid Gross at home, on my way to Mehico.