I know that you said that you're not low on gas often, but...have you ever run out of gas? Also, when this does happen, do you crank the motor for more than 2 seconds? What I'm getting at is that the fuel pump is lubricated and cooled by the fuel. If there is no fuel present and the engine is trying to draw fuel from it, it can quickly damage the pump, which is indeed a piece o' crap to begin with. I would also concur that your fuel pump is on the way out. Anyway, if you get in the Zone, it will run you about 130-150 ish.. but there is always the bone yard if you're strapped for cash.
My $.02
