I think it's fair to say that the more experienced the backpacker, the more likely they are to use a down sleeping bag. (As usual, there are exceptions.)

And if down gear is damp-especially in a humid climate-it will take a great deal of time to dry.

Actually, I think damp down dries pretty well. Wet, as in clumped down, will take forever to dry. I guess. I never got my down bag wet in the wild. It takes a lot of water, not just condensation or a few drips, to get a down bag soaked.

Pick a good campsite where water won't pool, line your stuff sack with an oven bag or a trash compactor bag, and just be careful to keep your down bag dry. If you do, down wins handily.