Airtex makes ok pumps. What kills fuel pumps is overheating and running low on fuel. You also don't know what people are installing, the ones that are failing early might be installing cheap discount parts.
The access panel makes it easy to replace in some ways, but I prefer dropping the tank since I think it's a good idea to clean off the crud about as often as the fuel pump would need to be changed. Dropping the tank is a good time to clean up the left frame rail and take care of any spots on the underbody that need attention, or other things that require dropping the tank like a body lift to get to that one mount. The factory pump is also typically rusted solid and so removing the tank makes it that much easier to clean up and less likely to wind up dropping rusty pieces or dust in the tank when taking off the ring and prying off the pump and seal.
Rockauto is a great place to get parts from. I bought lots from them, and even when I've had a problem they've taken care of it. I bought my fuel pump from NAPA though, as they offered a stainless assembly with the pump for ~$100. I think it's the same as the Carter that rockauto has for $96. It's been a great pump so far and was definitely an upgrade from the factory pump that was still doing the job but getting weaker after 200,000 miles.
