vinyl flooring is the right combo of cheap, good looking, durable, and simple to install 

Look at the supply and demand fundamentals of the market, what is driving those, and if those things are durable or not.

Let them dry, and see if they  are durable.

Then look past the cosmetics...look at durability, safety, foundation, construction, etc.  

The reason for this is because I want to upgrade to laminate (more durable).  

To try and mitigate this problem, we did install 1.5" of Poly Iso foam board on the exterior, and installed the Hardie board in a rain screen fashion for durability, but also to block the noise infiltration and help with the thermal bridging through the studs.

Not as durable roof as permenant roofing but for some areas the clear plastic roof material keeps the snow off while not creating a cave in summer.

Or do nicer/more durable finishes ultimately make little difference in lowering upkeep costs?

If you’re painting, there are some really great cabinet paints out there now that cure super hard and are very durable.

Hoses are dryer vents aren't that durable.