I've been using these for years and never had an issue. A lot of great points- Type of PFD is sewn on a patch on the device-maintenance is a huge factor, along with keeping a spare cartridge for each one.

I also wear mine close-not super tight but close-experience from a previous job where if the straps were loose bad things can happen.

I keep mine in a closed tote in my rig so not to expose them to the humidity in the rig during storage. I have to check the " Green " dot to make sure it's ready every time I wear it and I have also marked the expiration date on my calendar.

As far as what is required in your boat and this probably won't apply to 90% of most folks-I used to fish most of the southeast part of the USA-i know it's been a few years but different states have different rules as far as what the requirements are for Type 2, 3, or 4 PFDs. Most of them are similar as far as type 3 and 4 but I've seen some variations on requirements of the type 2's

I also carry extra type 3 PFD's-just in case

I know how to store a life jacket. It was in a dry compartment! No moisture.

Too much [censored] and questions about a life jacket.......so I went back to traditional. Now I dont have to worry about my lifejacket!

Every compartment in a boat in Texas has moisture. It's in the air, and the confined space combined with temperature changes causes it to condense and re-evaporate in cycles. The dissolving button absorbs this moisture over time during these cycles.

Just FYI for others who still have inflatable PFDs: about the air in Texas - it's VERY HUMID! Closed in a compartment (even one you consider to be "dry" in layman's terms) still traps moisture in the confined space of the compartment, which can be quite a bit in many parts of Texas. The most reliable way to store them day-in/day-out when not in use is in an air conditioned space, nothing less. Not doing that allows the dissolving "button" to eventually crumble from absorbed humidity, letting the CO2 go poof to fill the bladder.

I've researched it a dozen times and every time the feedback has been the same: Inflatable PDF's work great almost all of the time. So I just stick with a conventional vest.

I got in a bad habit of storing my inflatable draped over my steering wheel in my boat storage. I did this to keep the inflatable dried-out. I had a rented storage building, and the roof leaked during a big rainstorm. My inflatable went off while hanging around my steering wheel.
When I came to my storage a week or so later the inflatable was blown up tight to the steering wheel and steering column. I had to deflate it to get it out. I found out later that the inflatable actuated my jack plate control and burned up my jack plate motor.
It was totally my fault for being stupid enough to leave my battery switch on - lesson learned. But I have never again had any problem with that old inflatable (after re-charge) - I have had it 15 plus years.

Almost isn't good enough for me! I choose conventional also.