I'm ASSUMING people are making a big deal because the plug can fall apart and the pieces can damage the engine. I pull my plugs and inspect them after EVERY bottle, and replace plugs after 3-5 bottles, so they don't really get a chance to 'wear down'. There is still a chance that something could happen, but there is probably a higher chance my fuel solenoid will fail and I'll run a large dry shot, in which case my plugs will be the least of my worries. A lot of things CAN go wrong...and obviously a 'non projected' tip is better. The drawbacks? No one has been able to say, my next day off, I'll try and get a hold of NGK. I'm sure there is SOME downfall. According to NGK's website iridium plugs are 'great for nitrous and race engines' but my nitrous kit says on it DO NOT USE A PLATINUM OR IRIDIUM PLUG. So who knows.