The CFL bulbs only last longer if used in places where they will be left on for longer than about 20 minutes at a time, like in Alamo Girl’s outdoor light. They burn out rather quickly if turned on and off frequently, which is what most of us do inside our houses.
The ones in the bathroom fixtures last about twice as long at a minimum for us, and everywhere else in the house, several times that. It’s been so long since I had to swap the bulb in my room light I truly don’t remember anymore if it’s the first or the second one.
All said, even with the relative cost being higher for the ones in the bathroom, it buys off the nuisance of getting the ladder, the risk of falling or dropping one of the fancy globes...a few cents is a good trade there, IMO.
Again, I think folks should be able to freely buy whatever bulb they feel best suits their needs.
Thank you so much for that insight!