I think we need to start a recipe/cooking section on this forum. Every time I look at this thread my mouth starts to water. Mmmmmmmmmm barbecue.
I have a natural gas Weber. Used at least twice a week for the last four years, rain, snow or shine. Never cover it, sits outside my patio doors in the snow, fire it up, does the job every time with never any grille warping. Haven't even heard of that before?? The trick to a barbecue lasting is keeping it clean. Extremely clean. Get a good wire brush, not the junk they sell for barbecue and clean it every time you use. Remove the grates, burners, burner deflectors and collector trays periodically and clean them thoroughly. No grease or build up anywhere will go a long ways when cooking food also.