Don't take this the wrong way, but now the problem is you. More specifically, your mindset. You are convinced Leupolds suck, or are prone to failure, because you had one shit the bed at the exact wrong time. But do know this, all mechanical shit breaks. Trust me, I have been there. Even if you aren't convinced, there is always going to be that little nagging thought in the back of your mind every time you see that Leupold sitting on top of your rifle. You could conceivably get another scope the exact same model, or get that one fixed and you may not have a single issue ever again. And I am saying this coming from an extremely sympathetic place. Every time something like this happens to me, no matter what discipline or hobby, I always discount that brand immediately in my mind. Confidence goes out the door, second guessing begins.
I would say just for confidence sake, go with another brand. This forum is chock full of information on millions of other scopes. Also chock full of a million threads about "mine never breaks and I have had 100 of these scopes". Or the famous "x brand sucks!" Or "x brand is the best!". There are so many choices out there these days that odds are you will end up with a good choice. For what it's worth, I would echo some of the above recommending the AMG. Seems like a good choice for the shots you may take and the country you hunt. Not to mention I think they are the most "MADE IN THE USA" scope out there right now. Or you could get a NF, or S&B, or Bushie, or ZCO, or......