I'll have to disagree to some extent with c903 on this one. You are correct that a well tuned fixed rest will perform as well as any rest on the market, regardless of design. More reliable? This is where I'm not understanding. Most drop aways use a spring inside to force the prongs to the down position. This is just reversed for a standard rest. So I can't see where it would be unreliable in that aspect. I will however mention that not all drop aways are created equal. Some, like the MZE and the NAP rests use a much better connection than others do in my opinion. They are pretty well bomb proof.

As far as what so great about drop aways. Well for me, its not the accuracy, its the containment. I'm not one for little flippy things and such that hold the arrow and flip out of the way on draw. Some dropaways have excellent containment features (MZE, NAP QT's, Dropzone). Yes, you do gain a little more consistancy with a drop away, but thats not anything you can't do with a conventional rest. In a way, drop aways do bandaid minor form flaws in that respect.

Drop aways are legit in my opinion and I really feel they are hear to stay. Check some out, you might like them.