I have had Ohlins on both my bikes for years. On my 12 I have 70,000 miles and had to rebuild once at 40000 miles (per their recommendation) which cost $250. Not sure where you are hearing horror stories but would never have a Harley without them. Huge difference over stock for sure! I would go as far as saying with an aggressive riding style they are much safer than stock as they wont "skip around" when in a high speed sweeper on uneven pavement.
I agree, got my Ohlin HD-159 in Fall of 2014 at Biketoberfest in Dayton. I had them rebuilt once so far while in Daytona for the rally. Pulled in when they opened in the am, they took my shocks off, installed loaners. Told me to come back at 3. Came back at 3 and they installed my rebuilt shocks all for 225 dollars.
I honestly thought something was wrong with my 15 CVO road glide ultra when I first road it in the curves. Felt unstable and skipped as you say. Tried all kinds of air pressure could never make it feel right. 1200 miles on the bike when I put the Ohlins on.
They are now on my CVO King. In about 10K more miles they will need a rebuild. Well worth it.