I am interested in hearing more from people. I just bought a Rowenta Comfort iron for my mom, since her old Black and Decker had developed the problem of having to be unplugged and plugged in every time it did the auto shut off from resting. I had planned to get the Rowenta Focus, since the Pro-Master was so heavy, but when I lifted the Focus, is was also too heavy (my Mom is 90). Meanwhile, I found an older Rowenta at a garage sale for $3 and decided to go for it for myself, especially since the soleplate was completely clean. So far, so good with that one.
I think it is true that irons simply do not last these days, or maybe we quilters are just use them too much. I bought Mom's Rowenta at Kohl's, so that we could bring it back if it develops problems. We are on our 3rd Kuerig personal coffeemaker from there, all within 2 years. The coffeemakers have just quit working, so I take them back, and they give me a new one. I am going for a different color each time!