I used them in most rooms in my house, but when possible, I use them in enclosed fixtures despite the directions not to. My experience has been good with them so far and I am not sure they are any more dangerous than the ole tube florescent bulbes. Environmentally, maybe we will luck out and this technology will soon be replaced by LED technology.
The main danger of CFLs vs. tube bulbs is the tube bulb is usually in a ceiling fixture rather than a moveable (and tippable) lamp which is far more subject to being broken. I think I've broken one tube accidentally, and that was when I was changing it and dropped it off the ladder.
Yes, my hope is LED technology moves fast enough to have usable bulbs in fixtures by 2011. I am one of those people (my sister is worse) that does not function well with flourescent lighting. LED products are much easier, even than incandescents.