I have tried the more expesive "same as" compact florecents.
They are not the "same as" and are not as good as incandecents when it comes to natural lighting.
Then there is that ubiquitous "do not use with dimmers" deal breaker.
Good for the garage, not for the living room.
But that is why we have the free market, eventually they will get it to the point where it is cheeper than and of sufficent consumer wallet value to not notice the difference.
But not yet
Dimmer ones are available, but they're more expensive.
Good for the garage, not for the living room.
I'm the exact opposite. I want the garage instant-on (I go in and out a lot), so CFL isn't good for me there.
But as you said, that's why we love the free market.