Certain dies eat thru the mats faster than others.. My rag rug dies are the hardest on my mats.. but I try to alternate the dies with the mats so the cuts are all over the mat .. As for them lasting a year it really depends on how often your use your Go.. I love my machine.. I hope you do to..
As for the O'lipfa Rulers they are just acrylic rulers with a lip on the edge to keep flush with my cutting mat.. I have quite a few of different sizes.. 2.5x18, 3x18, 3.5x24, 4x14, 5x24 are just some..