I don't think it's untrustworthy in a sense you are deliberately lied to. I think more likely problem is that there is quality control issues and entire batch of particular bulb is compromised, like can happen with anything else - hard drives, RAM, pencils.

In general it's quite reasonable. Cheaper bulbs failed on me, more expensive ones work just fine for many years.

One thing is I wonder about if phosphorus (or whatever chemical they use) is burning out over the years. I.d. do I get worse light quality as these bulbs age?