I dont do a ton but for me it always seemed like the weak point was the grip was 3+ inches from the tip. If I am soldering something that is just a couple mm from the hole next to it then this requires a decemt amount of dexterity - even if things are held nicely.
The nicer stations like Hakko's have very nice metallurgy in their tips as well.
As soon as you get a station too there's a little sponge, maybe some metal wool — these things you can use to clean the tip of the soldering iron. That in itself encourages good soldering hygiene and makes for better soldering.
Yeah my kit came up a sponge and station too - but unmounted was so lightweight it was worthless. Perhaps a safety threat but I (with my amateur perspective) still think a shorter length would be very beneficial if possible.