Why the facination with integrated amps?


I don’t get it. Is it the manufacturers spotting a trend with the tail wagging the dog or does a significant market segment truly prefer the idea of an integrated?
Pros;
Less space
One less set of IC’s
In theory-one less chassis/case to pay for
Shorter signal paths possible
Can combine transformer/cap function
Cons;
Power supply interference/spuriae
Reduced Flexibility-can’t switch amp or preamp as easily or go to monoblocs
Less resonance control
Long history of lesser performance per measurements and long-term subjective listening
Less resale value if it turns out to be a fad
Less liklihood of an extremely high performing active preamp

I freely admit I am a skeptic. The industry-like so many others-looks for new market niches to move product. 
FWIW, the only integrateds I myself would care to audition would be from Esoteric and Luxman who have a long history of designing no-compromise (low-compromise) high-end integrateds. 

128x128fsonicsmith
When "Hi-FI" gained popularity at the dawn of the "50's, the affordable amps were Integrated - Bell, Brook, Bogen,Grommes, etc.  No frills. Then Mac, H.H.Scott, Marantz, Fisher, Quad brought increasing levels of
sophistication and fidelity - at a cost. Nowadays, many of us don't feel
the need for flexibility options the Separates offered. Us old-timers
remember choices for distinct recording curves: AES, Decca, RCA
(RIAA), LP, 78", etc. along with and the introduction of a "loudness" control - these and several other control options, along with demonstratively better audio are what set Separates on their elevatedstatus back then.
That's apparently changing, and perhaps for the better, for the reasons others have mentioned.  For my part. I enjoy the flexibility and audio offered by my fully-rehabbed MC 34 and M 2570 (End of the G.Gow era and his sound at Mac).
Maybe I'm simply too old and can't hear anything better!

But, hey - it's all about what YOU think you hear, isn't it?
Bo
Had a MC 6100 integrated amp 40 years ago none since then.If you love integrated amp jump on one asap!!