Reno:
Yes, I mentioned most of the jobs I did were underground. Services, site lighting, sports lighting, etc.
It was unusual to have any issues with the UG PVC, as most jobs were with the same 'other guys'; we all had a work ethic and respect for the job as a whole.
Yes, a vac system was not cheap, I think it was $1k or less back in the day. The Craftsman was about $125 and it did a lot of jobs.
Equipment, like a power bender, puller kit, hydraulic punch kits, etc. IMHO were necessary investments. It also saved the hassle of rental equipment, as rental guys were few.
Heck, now some of the newer guys have battery tools that cost around what you quoted for the vac kit.
