I replaced mine last summer as well. 77k miles and it rusted out at the supply line.
When I replaced it, I had to replace the feed line because the seal inside (plastic collar came out of line, stuck on corroded fuel outlet) was trashed. I couldn't find the plastic collar anywhere so I ended up using high pressure fuel line from Napa to replace that section coming off the pump to the front edge of the tank.
I also used a rust inhibitor on the new sending unit's exposed top side. I cleaned the metal with carb cleaner and then painted two coats of the rust inhibitor on the surface. It didn't look pretty but I'm hoping to never have to replace the fuel pump again for that issue.
I agree with you, the design of the fuel tank is complete crap with the fuel pump in a low spot that will collect water anytime the vehicle is driven in the rain. It make a nice little salt pond for those of us who live in snow areas in the east.
Been having an issue of gas smell and found the problem. GM uses cheap lines out of the sending unit. Because where it is, it collects all kinds of crap and rusts. Wasn't too bad of a deal to replace except for the high pressure line was rusted into the plastic fuel line that runs over tank to the line that runs upfront
