A component prematurely failing was the source of failure for several batches of HDR-1000S.
The freesat app (but only when paired) does indeed cause the HDD to spin-up every 20 mins. Logic dictates that this will increase wear and lessen life, to know to what extent would require extensive testing.
The ole advantage of pairing the app is to add the remote record facility. Being retired this is of no use to me so I run the app as un-paired.
There are also reported cases of other models in the HDR-1xx0S family HDD failing where the reason is unknown.