I've used them for years, and they are now much better than they used to be. You can get them encased in opaque globes, which softens the lights, and can be used quite successfully in ornamental lamps too. I've even found some small ones which replace the candle bulbs in my wall lights, without sticking out of the top of the shades. However, I will agree that the bulky bases do make them hard to use in some fittings.

As for LEDs, well I'm all for them, despite the price. So much so that I went and bought a load of LED little spotlights to replace the halogen spots in my bathroom...only to realise that there are two types of fitting, and mine are the one which doesn't come in LED, dammit!

However, I am planning replacing the ugly fluorescent tubes in my kitchen, and will try and use them in that - fingers crossed!

Andrea