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.
Some effects are better on rack. For example, delay doesn't immediately cut off when you switch it off.
But you're right. A lot of modern guitar players use racks - even Tony Iommi from Black Sabbath does these days. Pretty much the only stomp box you're most likely to see on the floor even with rack users, is an overdrive.
Without any data except watching countless youtube videos, the only place I see racks is for big stadium acts (U2 and the like) where it's a huge production and a lot of different tones need to be changed out. But by and large, I otherwise see a ton of pedal rigs for even well-known professionals, indie bands, and of course non-pros.
We're probably right now at a high point of pedal usage and new releases, thanks to super-engaging YouTubers like That Pedal Show, Andertons, Andy Martin, J Leonard J, Pete Thorn, and the list just goes on.
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