I inherited a digital compass that had many cool features. I think it would even wash the dishes if I pushed the right buttons. The only advantage that I could see over my Suunto MC-1G is that it was big enough to bash a mugger over the head.
I plan on having my compass work during the worst of times not just the best times and would not trust my life to a battery powered compass. Even with the most modern navigation systems the aircraft I have been around all seem to have a very simple, durable and dependable compass as a backup to whatever wonder of the week navigation system they are using.