I don’t think there’s anything wrong with being conservative about changing from something tried and true. But I disagree with the philosophy of, “I just don't do battery powered gigs, period". Battery power technology has been advancing dramatically and doesn't show any signs of stopping any time soon.I just don't do battery powered gigs, period. I'd rather make 200Ft+ cable runs and know I have solid AC from a generator or local source than spend money on stuff that needs repeated charging and has additional maintenance or disposal costs. When I consider the size of the gig in question compared to the cost, hassle, and limited life of DC storage and maintenance - those gigs combined with the typically small system capabilities just aren't worth it to me.
When everyone has a portable flashlight the value of shining light on things tends to decline as we focus on a whole new market of smaller ideas with equally small challenges and paychecks. I try not to take that bait. A lot of these gigs that lend themselves to a battery solution also have acoustic solutions requiring no sound reinforcement at all. It's very natural today for people to be functionally near-sighted - always looking to their technology rather than common sense.
That's my Debbie Downer comment for today.
Nothing wrong with preferring a way that's been working for you. But just like some DJ's from years ago who said they'd "never DJ with a computer, period" because it wasn't really DJing.
I hope I never get to a point where I say "I'll never use a new technology, period". Lots of things haven't yet proven they are a benefit to me. But if that changes in the future, I'll be open to adopt it.