You sound pretty misinformed about them. I've taken my share, and know about pretty much all the recreational drugs. I don't like benzos because they last too long.
Addiction-wise, they're on the low end. Nicotine is the most addictive drug people do, the three powder drugs are all significantly more addictive than benzos...hell, I'd honestly say weed is more addictive.
They're pretty harmless, health wise. Alcohol is far, far worse than benzos. Really, the only thing I know that's wrong with them is the duration. They linger about 36 hours, but you forget you're on them. This can cause problems, especially if you're drinking the next day.
Oh--it's barbiturates that have the potentially lethal withdraw, but barbiturates were supplanted by benzos a long time ago.