They are most definitely not a myth. Look for small holes in the pads where they have burrowed in. It's rare though to see them just crop up in a horn by itself, especially after just a year. Usually you see them in areas where many horns are stored together, or if a sax is stored away in a basement for years. Are you sure the pads just aren't worn?

If it is mites, a repad is the only way to go. They live inside the pads and will eat away at the insides of them over time. Replacing the case is a good idea because they could come back.