I would just add a few comments. Proprietary software for transfering photo files does not run in the background. It runs only when the camera is plugged in and triggers the O/S to look for software that has been designated to be used for that event. After it does its job, it stops.

Regarding card readers vs USB connections, count the pins or sockets on your cards (50 on mine), then count them on the USB connector (4). Now look at the relative size and robustness of both of them. I would rather risk a bent pin or damaged socket on the USB connector anyday. I remove the card from the camera only when I must, such as a day when I take more than 300 photos. If you are pulling out that card every day or the USB connector everyday, which do you think is more likely to fail?

One last thing, if the USB connector fails, you still have your photos, you just have to buy a new cable or perhaps replace a very common computer socket. If the card pins fail, you have lost your photos or perhaps require the replacement of a 50-pin connector inside your camera. Having an ON/OFF switch replaced on my previous Nikon was free but they had my camera for 8 weeks. There are also some other possibilities that I have not listed. These are my reasons for prefering to use a USB cable to transfer images from the camera to the computer.

Wayne