If the various levels of Armorsmithing and Weaponsmithing research decreased repair times I'd be much more inclined to research them. While I do eagerly look forward to that next new item I'm not concerned about how long it takes. Where as with repair times I am acutely aware of just how painfully long I have to wait for some of my regularly used items to come back.
McGrager
Dwarf of Guild Elysium