We do a lot of boondocking. One big advantage to us for our Lifelines is they have a lower internal resistance than flooded cells. This means the batteries will accept a charge a little more quickly, whether on generator or on solar, and they will discharge more slowly when sitting idle.
My first set of Lifelines lasted a little over 7 years, but I have no knowledge of how they were treated during the first 3 years of their life (adequately charged? overly discharged?). When they died, they went very suddenly. There was no doubt it was time to replace them. I am hoping my new set will last a little longer. They are almost never discharged below 12.2V, generally no less than 12.5V.
I see no downside other than the initial cost, but if they are treated properly I think the cost difference may be minimal over the life of the battery bank.