Thank you everyone for your input. I've decided the two irons are probably equivalent on reliability with a slight edge toward Rowenta, since it doesn't melt (sheesh!), so I'll just keep the Rowenta for awhile since I already have it and see if I "bond" with it. A big leak will surely be a reason to return it, and then maybe I'll look around and see what my old fave Black and Decker is making these days.
Sigh. If only I'd bought a new iron for that remodeling project and saved my old reliable for quilting. Who knew?
Thank you! again!.