3 way switch

[EdwardHimself]

I know it's more of a guitar thing but don't be fooled into thinking that because the gibson style 3 way "skeleton" switches are more expensive, it means they're more reliable/hard-wearing because they're not. You're better off going for a boggo box style one.

[icastle]

Yep.
That design was the 'standard' back in the 50's but things have moved on quite significantly since then.
It's more to do with keeping a 'heritage' alive than electrical resilience.