Hi Matt, FWIW I've used MSR stoves since the early 1980's, first a G/K and for the last 10 years or so a Dragonfly. Always left the pump in the bottle -- with no pressure, and when stored, with no fuel either.
The only problem I ever had was in thee mid-late 1980's when I was living in Southern Africa: I had used petrol with high ethanol content, which corroded the neoprene seals and tubes in the pump. I switched to kerosene (paraffin) which was OK, and awaited MSR's advice. They sent me a replacement "G" jet for the stove--not qite sure why they did so, as the jet wasn't the problem--but when I was using that on my return to Canada in 1988, I had some leakage (hence low performance) where the jet mated with the burner tube. I phoned MSR in Seattle & explained my problem. The service guy said, "You need to speak to Gord." This was reassuring: I was afraid I'd be put in touch with a workshop run by low-paid & vulnerable migrant workers. I assume Gord was late thirty-ish with a pony tail. He said, "Dunno what the problem may be. Send me your stove & we'll fix it." I sent him the stove & 5 weeks later (it was at the end of the season) my stove arrived with a new jet, no charges, and a brand-new pump. MSR apologized for sending me the wrong jet, and charged me nothing.
Best customer service I've ever had from anyone. Since then, I've bought two stoves from them (Dragonfly & Windpro), a Hubba Bubba tent, a couple of Therma-rest mattresses, and a waterfilter. All quality stuff.
I do use a Trangia now--much more compact. When I don't need to fuss about space--e.g., on a canoe trip--I still use the Dragonfly or the Windpro.
