i brought one of these from Japan about a 18 months ago, and its still in the same condition in which i brought it, and i play Quake/TF2 and use the computer every day.
no fraying, cleaned it once with warm water and light amount of detergent, it sticks to my desk so well you almost have to peel it off.
i went through 3 pure trak talents before i went to the hayate, and it is without a doubt the best pad ive ever used.