I'm a musician, but not a music tech expert. However, most professional guitarists/bassists I know who play larger venues are using an effects rack, not a board of pedals (or maybe a pedal or two to switch effects). This has waxed and wanted in popularity since the 80s, but my anecdotal evidence is that pedal rigs are less common than ever. I agree about the rugged design, though--I still use a chorus pedal from the late 80s, and it's nigh indestructible.