Everybody with a MacBook Pro already moved beyond these older models?
Certainly not. Thousands of users, possibly one million,
will not move beyond these models for a number of justified reasons. (MacBookPro11,1 A1502 is Retina with 13-inch screen and PCIe system storage; after 2012 SATA flashdisc platform, before current 2016 platform. It is what many call
perfect.)
Where can I find a good MagSafe cable that will last, or are they all that way?
Apple's MagSafe cables are thin; that you know. Most aftermarket makers are copy-cats: they copy Apple's fashion thin cable. Every aftermarket cable which I encountered, is negligibly thicker than Apple originals. They are not meant to last longer than the original; they are meant to be cheaper, and so more tempting to re-order, compared to Apple original equipment. (But what do I know? Not all that much. I don't know that all aftermarket MagSafe cables are not durable. I only encountered a handful.)
I recommend not buying MagSafe 2. Instead, buy: Apple 'MagSafe to MagSafe 2 Converter' (model number A1464, SKU number MD504), a 'MagSafe 1' supply with figure "L" tip (right angle cord exit), and 3:1 shrink ratio heat shrink tubing ⌀ > 8 mm. Position heat shrink tube over MagSafe connector's strain relief at least, and pretend it is a pain relieving brace. Or use the heat shrink generously, covering over MagSafe tip and well past strain relief, and pretend it is a sweater (cut a rectangular hole for the bit). Heat shrink tubing which is of exactly 8 mm inside diameter will not easily pull past MagSafe bit (tight sweater over big nose), so use eight and a fraction millimetres, or 9 mm or larger.
After
bulking up MagSafe cable end assembly, it will be difficult to flex, and not lay where you want it. The increased durability comes with uncooperativeness.
