My #1 machine is my Bernina 440 QE. I leave it on while I am in the room, unless I know I won't be sewing while I'm in there. I had a 1971 Singer Fashionmate Model 237 for 30+ years and can't remember changing the bulb once; however I did have to change the bulb on one of my Singer FWs after I had it for a few years. I do have my Bernina plugged in a surge protector; however, my Singer serviceman told me years ago that it is better to unplug the machine completely. So I unplug the cord from the Bernina, rather than from the surge protector. I put a binder clip on the cord near the plug (the clip doesn't clamp the cord, it fits around it), then put a small caribiner through the "arms" of the clip (you could also use one of the metal shower curtain rings). When I unplug the cord, I hang the caribiner on a Command hook mounted on the edge of my sewing table so I never have to search around on the floor for the cord.
Also, remember that a power strip may not be a surge protector.