I agree, and there's less delicate circuitry to break in the first place. In the 180SD, all of the high current parts are very robust by nature (big heavy etc). In an inverter, the high current parts are semiconductors and special compact high frequency transformers. These are more vulnerable to surges, such as from a nearby lightning strike.
I have a 180SD and a Miller plasma cutter (the latter is an inverter as all current plasma cutters are). I've had no problems with the
180SD, but the plasma cutter got fried by lightning surge. It cost $500 to replace the damaged circuit board. Now I leave it unplugged when not in use.If you *need* the portability, inverters are the way to go. But for fixed shop usage, I still think the conventional machines are a better long term value.
Gary