Well, I'm one of the odd ones here - I like my Rowentas. I think it's really important to make sure you know what kind of water it's supposed to use (tap or distilled). I think that is one of the main reasons people have leaking issues with them. I leave water in mine all the time and don't have leaking/sputtering issues. Every once in a while I'll need to run it through the clean cycle but that's about it. First one I dropped countless times and ironed daily before it gave out after about 10 years. I'm on my second - about the same age now - and I have cord issues at the base where it has the pivot mechanism. The issue is that sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't so I haven't been using it. I've been using my EuroPro that I paid even bigger $$ for at the time. Has lots of steam, heavy (I like a heavy iron) and does a great job. Did have DH replace the plug on that one as well. I unplug my irons at the end of any sewing/ironing session. I don't leave them plugged into a power strip or anything. Even though the sewing room door is closed when not in use, I have this irrational fear that the dogs might knock over the iron and it possibly turn on. Just always the way I've operated.
I also picked one up from freecycle just for kicks. I iron clothes alot so want to make sure I have at least one that works at all times.