For me the biggest advantages of external bearings are more support for the spindle and a stiffer feel, at least that is my observation with my D/A 7800 on my single. Also once you have your crank with pipe spindle, all you need to replace are the bearings when worn. Your not even limited to Shimano for Shimano cranks or FSA for FSA. Even Ceramics for the hard core techies. I think that they are here to stay or Campy wouldn't have changed. They held on to Square taper way too long. Again, my opinion and I'm sure others feel different.