Why do people want ethereal items?

[warriorrk]

On ethereal items they say that they can't be repaired, however, I notice that they have a durability rating(i.e. durability 12 of 14) etc. Does this mean that once they're damaged they can no longer be used? Everyone seems to want "ethereal" items and will pay high prices for them, but i don't understand why if one day their items will lose durability and they will no longer be able to use them. Is there any way to circumvent this? Thanks

[AnimeCraze]

1.
a) Items used by merc don't lose durability.
b) Some runewords and items socketed with Zod is indestructable.
2. Etheral items have better stats.

Combine these and you get the answer.

[hacchantal]

Some runewords have "Repairs 1 durability in xx seconds" and some ethereal items have better stats etc. Mercenary ethereal items also come in handy because the mercenary doesn't lose the durability on the item on you. ^^ if that makes any sense. I hope I helped!

Oops ^^ I guess someone replied before me, oh well

[Evrae Altana]

Ethereal items also have lower strength and dex requirements than their non-eth counterparts, allowing you to equip them with a smaller str/dex investment.