I own a steripen journey and an msr miniworks ex so I have experience with uv and filters. I love the steripen because it is so fast and easy. I went on a trip with three other people and we all used the steripen for a week. It worked great and we didnt need to change the batteries. We had clear water so that was not an issue.
If you are worried about floaties you can buy the prefilter steripen sells. It has a little screen that works surprisingly well.
I carry chemical tablets as a backup for the steripen. I highly doubt I will have a problem with the steripen but because it is your water supply its kinda important. I think most of the bad reviews are from people who do not take the time to read the manual. They have no idea what they are doing, get frustrated and go say its a terrible product. I think since it can survive an entire PCT trip that would put the steripen in the "very durable" category.