You're right, it's defintely simpler.
It boils down to what you need it for. If you're always within range of help, a tank might work for you.
On my last 4 week Baja trip, I probably aired up and down 30 times. A tank might be marginal if I had a bunch of tire failures, something that is very very possible.
To backup the compressor, I brought along a bike pump. Thank goodness I didn't have to use the pump!