My ThinkPad came with three styles to choose from. The original style, which I think you're referring to, did wear down after about a year. But it's easy and cheap to get replacements (and some backups are often included). The style I like, which is wide and flat like a mushroom top with bumps, doesn't seem to wear down at all.

As for the acceleration, like with any human input device, that's something you get used to, and it can be configured a bit as well.

I love my TrackPad. I won't buy a laptop without one. Unfortunately, these days, there are fewer and fewer available...