First off, welcome to RC-Monster!
The first MMM that died could have been a fluke, which many others have experienced. The MM, well, that's a bit tougher. If your new MMM is doing well, then you may have gotten lucky
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MGMs are nice controllers when it comes to hardware, but in terms of software they are a bit lacking IMO. And getting service from MGM isn't the fastest/easiest since they are in the Czech Republic. Some really do like the MGMs, though.
As for the Novak, you'd have to use their motor pretty much. It's a sensored ESC, and must be run with a sensored motor. But comparing this ESC to others (not even mentioning the others) it is sub-par IMO.