> I'm not sure why someone would choose them for their bench iron, which seems to be what a bunch of attendees were suggesting they do with their USB/battery irons.

Me either. I have both -- I have a very nice battery/usb-powered one that I keep in my portable electronics kit, and a mid-level bench iron for at-home work.

The bench iron simply works better in every way, and I'd never even consider using the portable one when I have the option of using a bench one.