Aperture for aperture an f/6 (or there about) apochromat refractor is
the closest thing to an all-around-do-anything-telescope. Why?
(keeping in mind "aperture for aperture".)

1) For all practical purposes image quality is 'perfect'. The
aperture is totally free from any and all obstructions. It has the
highest (percentage) concentration of light within the Airy disk
that's possible. Scattered light is at a minimum. Contrast is at a
maximum.

2) equal suitability for low-power, wide-field work and high power
planetary or double star work. At equal apertures the apo isn't
likely to be bested in either area by any other telescope. It's
literally the best of both worlds.

3) For refractors in general: Thermal cool-down takes less time.
Tube currents are less of a problem.

4) Collimation is 'dead-on' when received and tends to stay that way
indefinitely. Minimal maintenance is necessary.

5) Mounting options are 'open'. The apo can be mounted in whatever
manner is necessary for whatever task the owner may desire to put it
to.

6) The only way it can be bested (in one way or another) is by
utilizing a scope of smaller or larger aperture; but that other scope
will not be able to best the original apo in all areas for all
purposes (portability is an important consideration for many
amateurs).

The above may not be reasons enough for all people to go with a high
quality refractor; but it's sufficient for some -- and that's all
that's needed to satisfactorily answer the original question.

Note: Not all of the above points apply to all refractors. OTOH, a
major component to any perceived 'refractor craze' *is* the fast, high
quality, apochromat refractor. The portability of small, fast,
achromats like the ST-80 provide another component to the perceived
craze. Many amateurs -- regardless of what kind of 'large' telescope
they use, also own a small refractor that bears at least some
resemblance to an ST-80.

Final (Personal) Note: For myself, under my relatively dark sky, a
small refractor can surpass the deepsky performance of larger
telescopes used under poorer skies. My largest refractor has a 13cm
aperture. Nevertheless I've visually observed Pluto, the Horsehead
Nebula (no filter used), and other objects (with my refractors) that
some people considered doable only with significantly larger
apertures.

Bottom Line: Aperture is *not* everything!

Sketcher
To sketch is to see.