For touring, commuting, and utilitarian riding steel rings are a good option as they do last much longer and are less prone to getting bent... the increase in weight is worth it for many people.

I am one of those folks who likes Biopace rings and have a pair (alloy) mounted up on my longbike... the mechanical advantage they offer is ideal for a bike that was made for hauling large loads and if I could find steel rings in the same size I'd be snapping them up.

For more info:

Sheldon Brown on Biopace