I have a supermax and constantly struggle with belt changes but eventually get there. Avoidance is my number one policy here.

I have actually found the drum sander the hardest of all my shop machines to master. You have to do the smallest of passes or you risk damaging the piece. The machine truly does test my lack of patience.

I stick with 120g to get the board level and then finish the higher grits with a ROS and a good technique. Bobs your uncle.

Only ever had gumming issues when using cheap pine. Avoid the stuff now so typically every day is a good day on the drum sander.