In my operation, there are no downfalls.  It is true they do take slightly more energy to run than an electric, but there is not much difference if you are using a diesel engine for pumping and powering the pivot, like I am. 

I have also heard about them coasting with the planetary drive, but I have worm gearboxes, so I have no problem with them.  I think the gearboxes last longer on them than an electric and also they have no troublesome joints between the electric motor and gearbox to constantly be replacing. 

I disagree that they get stuck easier than an electric, I think it may be the opposite but I can't say for sure.  They both get stuck.  As far as the rubber hose coming off between towers, this makes no sense.  I have had no more trouble on the T&L than the electric pivots.  Also I have not noticed the pivot slowing down as it gets older, and I know this for a fact since nearly every year I have to calibrate the speed of the pivot over a certain time to apply fertilizer, and I have noticed no difference from when I started in the first year. 

They are far and away the least troublesome pivot on the market.  I have never had a serviceman out on one, and it is rare that I ever do anything to them.  Another huge benefit, at least it has been for me, is I am no longer troubled by lightning damage.  Almost every year I have some component destroyed by lightning on the electrics, and sometimes it is very expensive.   

 I think you would have to be crazy to buy an electric pivot.

I think I should say my experience is with 1/4 mile pivots and I don't know if there would be something about them that would be more troublesome on the longer systems.  Maybe there is, but for me I would have nothing else.