I have had zero issues (and I mean zero) with the AFCIs I've been installing in my house. Damn near every breaker I have used has been AFCI. No trips, even running heavy duty drills, saws, and angle grinders.
Typically issues people have with them are either a bad install (not Chris's problem, I'm sure), loose wire nuts and worn out outlets in the branch circuits, or dodgy equipment in use.
Sure they cost more but they are required by code these days and I build everything to or above code, usually far above code, whether I plan on having it inspected or not.
Also, this snow needs to go to hell so I can actually get stuff done and drag my remaining vehicles home and get some projects underway. I need to build a garage... after I pay off all remaining debts that is. So like, in a year or so.