Rip, I've heard that as well about not wanting to drill 5th hole in drums. I think that with a lot of older drums there was a webbing reinforcement on the back, which the original bolt holes went through.
As to the new hubs from Lanner... Being billet, they should be stronger due to the smelting/refining/finishing and be more uniform in grain structure, which should mean longevity. I'm really sort of guessing, there are a lot of people around that could explain/prove it better than I can.
I'd say go with what you can best afford, Home-built, Modified, Custom, etc. Over engineer everything and replace stuff if it breaks. There are no absolutes, that's why even Porsche sells replacement parts!
Cheers,
Dave