All of the "usual suspects" have been posted. I know a very well know pro guitar player who changes strings every gig-the tuner-guitar handles does. He has a very light touch too. Never drives the guitar.
You really beat on the coating regardless of how good the strings may be. Go with lights-ultras can be tough on your fingers.
I play fingerstyle-very light. Change my strings every 5 gigs-not that big an expense
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