>A single 1000 grit sharpening stone like Shapton should suffice, but not everyone wants to learn hand sharpening

I recommend learning whetstone sharpening to anyone. It's therapeutic. Also I guess learning on a water-soaked stone is actually easier (they are cheaper too).

Any tool needs some maintenance and care, knives don't really make an exception. Other than that - ceramic knives would be the no-maintenance ones - if you chip it, buy another.