I would rather risk it than unplug my TV and dvd recorder and have to reset the clock, timer programs, etc every day.

Agreed. I have good fire insurance.

I unplug my iron and my hair dryer but that's it. And that's more because I put them away then for any other reason.

Surge protectors don't always work, even expensive ones. There was a big storm here in Florida in July while we were out having lunch. We got back to the condo and our TV and Tivo both were plugged into a surge protector were damaged. Had to replace the circuit board in the TV and get another Tivo. So glad my Bernina wasn't plugged in at the time. I always unplug the iron and the machine when finished. There wasn't anything else damaged, not sure why the other appliances were ok, as they are not on a surge protector. We now have a battery back up for the TV and Tivo but will still unplug if we are home during a storm.