We have had a Jonseered (think that's how it spelt) for that 3 to 4 years - we have an acre - hasn't given us any problems - the belt has gone once. In my opinion it is worth getting a rideon lawn mower 1/2 acre is a lot to mow and in my opinion 2 hours once a week in the summer is a lot.
Caveat - are you going backwards ? Two hours !!, I've a little over a half acre and have it boxed off in about 50 mins to 1 hour (boxing the grass not mulching, mulching would be slightly quicker).
I totally agree with you though about the need for a ride on, I bought a push petrol Honda for 1150 euro (6.5 hP) and haven't looked back, there is a semi self drive with it (ie you have to have your hand on the accelerator bar but the rear wheels will move the mower along), but it's a great bit of exercise to push it around the garden !
To OP - Don't know about service prices ride on versus push mower (the push mower full service is about 80 euro a year). I looked at ride ons at the time and from my own research and on hearing recommendations the Honda ride ons seem to be the best around, if one can afford them, they are dearer than other ride ons (with names you might not necessarily have heard of) but apparently they are the best so...
I'm not very good at spatial awareness - our overall plot is just under an acre - with a 4 bed bungalow on it, so maybe the garden area is more than I thought. Also I'm fairly laid back and don't exactly rush the job
ok, if you want a nice finished cut go for an out front mower, not a sit on style tractor. husgvarna do the rider models, A1, have one of these and you can cut into all the corners, you cant with the tractor type models.