I think bearings are hugely easier to replace, and in general probably better. From a machine point of view, one can usually stick more balls of large size in a raceway, than in a cartridge. I have gone all custom cartridge hubs, because they are so nice. One argument has it that the machinery to make races in alumiunum hubs is way more expensive. And another argument has it that machined hubs are weaker than cold forged.

While some of the cartridge hubs need only one key to be taken appart, there are quite a few other tools required in a bearing change, so it is not a side of the road thing. Look at the PDF on the Phil site. But ball bearings are an easy side of the road thing.

The lab. seals on regular hubs can let the water in, so most people trust sealed bearing more. Even though for the most part they are not designed to be sealed against the elements. Most commonly they are sealed against low pressure environments where the grease might be drawn out. But as I say, the sealed bearings seem to have earned confidence. DT is one maker of upper end hubs that still makes them with loose bearings.