macbook air power cord mediocrity

Has anyone with MacBook Air come to a solution on dealing with the mediocrity of the power cord? It's of such poor quality and poorly designed that I've found myself worrying that I'll have to replace it for $74 every year. It's flimsy and cheap on both ends of cord. It takes much stress from connections on both ends. They could well have supplied a power cord that was substantial & adequate to the need to re charge fairly often. I use it often and I'm haunted by the experience I traveled the first time ---taping to hold it together for a while, and having the other end finally give out first; I hadn't even been worrying about the far end of the cord; and hating it every time I use it, etc. There must be a way to strengthen and secure some temporary happiness with this thing. Thanks.