IMHO, it's a design issue, as both are NEC compliant. Also, it's a convenience thing, as you said regarding running and wet.
As to tripping, the one for my laundry circuit tripped a few weeks back...reason unknown. As an inspector, I 'trip' quite a few each day (hopefully).
A personal opinion of mine is a few McMansions that have a GFI in the powder room (first floor) that runs thru to a few other baths. But, that's a design issue!
