said by tempdays :things fail based on parts count.
the more parts a circuit has, the more parts the circuit has that can fail.
plus more connections between them.
lower parts count means longer life.
Which make linear supplies with hot regulators fail.
Shoddy workmanship is more likely in hand soldered linear supplies.
Switching supplies fail due to voltage spikes overstress from poor layout, and excessive ripple current in fake or underspecified capacitors.
There are no hot regulators. Heat is a problem when more lossy parts are substituted by the assembly vendor.
If EMI or surge robustness are a concern, external components can be added.
Linear supplies can also be used as space heaters, or with a piece of rope in marine applications.