How long does a Starter usually last for a Ranger? I had mine replaced in 2004.

Hi. I have a 1995 Ford Ranger, I live in Seattle. I`m having a problem that is both "old" and "new" in certain ways. Here`s the history:
In October 2004, my truck did not start one morning. I got the Starter replaced on it, everything was ok.
Then, in October 2005 - almost exactly a year later - the same thing happened. The truck sounds like it wants to turn over, but it won`t.

I had my buddy look at it. He was able to start the truck by bypassing the starter. He thought it had to do with my clutch pedal not making good contact and not properly engaging the starter. As for why it kept happening in October, he noted that I don`t drive my truck daily and with the moisture and cold, that could have affected things.

So, over the course of the last 6 years, I face this issue - almost always in the cold & wet months in Seattle (October til spring) - on and off. I have to occasionally go under the hood, bypass the starter and it starts. No big deal.

This year, it`s happening again. However, it is not infrequent anymore. It`s been every day this week. Is it my starter (now 7 years old)? Is it something else? Any ideas or thoughts would be appreciated. Oh, and I know have a "regular" mechanic (not my buddy), so I can and will take it to him, but he`s busy (he`s good!) And I want to have as much info and ideas as possible before I see him. Thanks!