I'd ditch a dana 30 just to go to an axle without large amounts of carrier flex, priority number 1....
I've worked on a number of dana turdies, and man alive, those suckers open up! I think the dana 30 housing stretch is the leading cause of r&P failures, which seems to be misdiagnosed as "small pinion" on the jeep boards.......whatever
being able to RELIABLY run numerically higher R&P set-ups is reason #2 to go to 44's......gotta have 5.13's with 35's. Can't do that on a dana turdie.
Flattop knuckle options for true high-steer is reason #3 for me......
BIG FAT ford disc brakes almost shares the #3 spot, can't really decide if I had to choose between bigger brakes, or better draglink angles.....
Hubs is next....sure its nice to have, but Its down on my personal list for reasons to go to a 44......
bigger balljoints is a nice thing! I'm on my third set of balljoints for the 44, can't imagine how I'd make anything last on a 30.
I've been ragged on a couple times on threads like this, when i'm reminded that not everyone can just whip DIY brackets on a naked axle tube and bolt'er on up to the jeep.....yes, I know it can get expensive using "professional shops", and if I could NOT fab my own stuff, going to a 44 would be overwhelming..........but that's exactly the reason, once you get to that point of your jeppin' hobby, one should serious;ly consider setting some money aside for fab tools and a good 220 welder.......consider it an investment! the money you spend at the point you are at right now, is a LOAD of money you save as you progress!!!!!
A good welder and a few power tools here and there makes decision-making such as the 44 EASY!.........and economical!
otherwise, you are right......a "bolt-up" 44 becomes too expensive.......