In the last 10 years I spent big $$ on top of the line Rowenta's , both died ... so I learned a pricey lesson. I think your Rowenta was in a good vintage year and it lasted . Now I purchase cheap irons with a stainless sole plate ( the teflon coating can be very problematic). I also figured out the Rowenta was aggrivating my Carpel tunnel. The weight and the repeat motion was just killer... but I did not figure it out till my light weight iron !
I do love a lot of steam , so now I just use a spritz bottle , and my cheap iron is out lasting my last Rowenta.