Rowing is something you either like enough to prefer it(I've rowed through most of the Bahamas, and would do it again), getting around by outboard is just as strong a preference. I'd only say for knowing these folks, knowing how they live, sail, and their very simple boat of decades, they just prefer the simplicity of hard dinghys. And they're bikers, runners, and looking for simple excercise. After a few decades, it's hard to change either preference.

What's easy for you(inflate-deflate, motor on-off, gasoline, more maintenance, repairs,...) sounds like a lot of work to me, but it works great for you. Both ways will work.

I used to agree with you on a nester. Then I watched one in use this season, a real test, I was impressed(I have pics somewhere ) A nester works too as a good dinghy.

I think the lifeboat aspect of this dinghy is one of their reasons for buying. That part I get. Not the ideal liferaft, and sinking is remote, but it's apt to happen anywhere, anytime. The water we sail in is pretty unforgiving unless you're floating above it. I like a safe floating nearby for that remote scenario.