Sharps54, you're absolutely correct-my understanding is that historically the top-breaks have not been as durable over time, and have been restricted to lower-pressure cartridges. My thought is that with suitable upgraded steels and (re)designing, with modern production techniques they might be viable, and viable for higher-pressure cartridges, such a .347 magnum/10mm, and .41 and/or .44 magnum. The British Webleys in .455 had a pretty good reputation, but I believe that they were fairly complex to manufacture and limited to .455-and I have no idea how heavily they were customarily shot, or what their forecasted lifespan was.
I would think that out of the current major manufacturers, Ruger would have the greatest wherewithal and inclination to proceed down this path.
Best, Jon