the difference in mileage and power is because they are changing the fueling of the engine...they also wear out over time. its a smart idea to replace them as a part of regular maintenence...not necissarily overly frequently like oil or something, but y'know, every 50-100k wouldn't hurt....
I've been thinking for a while of pulishing an article on O2 sensors, how they work, etc...after I get done will the current things I'm working on I might have to do that, I think it'd be fairly helpful especially since there seems to be some misunderstanding about them (not judging from this thread, or the OP or anything, just in general)
sounds like a great idea
my main deal, i understand how they work, but im still trying to comprehend long and short term fuel trim... and thought my lil 02 idea would help out the fuel trim