I've found that generally the same people that tout the "quality" benefits of cord drops seem to switch to conduit drops as soon as they reach the "magic" 30Amp limit of inexpensive connector bodies. Larger than that, cord,plug,& connector assemblies cost $$.
I guess larger machines don't vibrate or something [Linked Image]
Sure does reinforce the idea to me that they are done because they're cheap and easy.

Like Hotline, YES I've put them in, and sure, there are some applications where they really belong. That's why the NEC allows them under the limited circumstances it does.

Larry C, once the cord is attached to the building, it is a part of the building wiring, just the same as a piece of conduit would be, and yes, the NEC does care.