just an opinion, based on owning two different 742 rifles and watching the results others have had owing them,
the reliability issues you mention are far too common, and they are well known.
I have no idea why the Remington 760 and 7600 slide action rifles which are almost a CLONE
,too the 740-742,in a manually actuated action,version have and maintain a far higher reputation for durability and accuracy.
but they certainly do,the slide actions have a very good reputation for durability and accuracy,
but its almost indisputable among everyone I've talked too for decades,
that the 7600, in 30/06 and 35 whelen have,almost a loyal cult like following,
but the 740-742 remington rifles are avoided like the plague.
I have owned two 742 rifles briefly, both rifles , taken in on trades,
I doubt either one had 100 rounds shot through them before they were traded off.
while the 7600 in 35 whelen and to a lesser extent the 30/06 have developed a loyal following,
among the people I hunt with, you generally get advised to upgrade to a browning BAR,
if you want a semi-auto, and in my opinion thats darn good advise.
obviously maintenance and cleaning and lubrication are critical and mandatory,
but the BAR, has a long history of having far fewer durability issues.