i just put a superwinch on mine,(basically cause it's cheaper), and my friend has an older one, and it's my understanding that they've stopped making the switches that had all the problems... the new one that i have is different though maybe not better.. WE'LL SEE...

sealing with silicone is a good idea, i doubt it will work with the switch without sealing it so good that the switch doesn't work though i did take the advice of my friend and seal my winch up with it.

and one thing on the idea that everyone had to replace the switches, besure that you use a switch that can handle 50 amps(i think that's the right #), most switches are made to handle small amounts of current because the correct was to wire a winch, or anything of substantial current, is using a relay... though i was COMPLETELY SUPRISED to find that SuperWinch runs all through the switch... not the way i'd do it if i was designing a winch., but hey, mine works good...

-brian.