To Carry or Not to Carry - That is The Question?

I'm traveling to far, far away lands next week.  I have the passport, the ticket, appropriate travel documents, etc. and I have one burning question as the date approaches - 

CARRY-ON or CHECKED BAGGAGE?

The beauty of a carry-on  - it's always with you!  Your bag is handled with the utmost care and respect, because you handle it.  The hassle with a carry-on - it's always with you.  One hand is always occupied with a load, not to big, but not small either.  The price of a carry-on - FREE!!  Depending on travel status/rewards/membership - a checked bag can be up to $50.  The space is a carry-on - LIMITED.  IT's full of numerous , oddly shaped - 4oz bottles; where socks are stuffed in shoes, that are then wrapped in t-shirts - which are vacuum packed to maximize space.  
Not saying your checked bag isn't delicately packed the same but the likelihood is less.  There is definitely more room for "EXTRA" in a checked bag - whether it be extra clothes, shoes, room for souvenirs & gifts, etc.

BUT with layovers and days of travel - are the airlines reliable enough to get my bag safely from one country to the other without loss, mishap, or misdirection?

Brooding questions run through my brain and only time will tell.  Halfway across the world for 9 days is a long time for a carryover but I'm challenged by the idea.  Will I rise? Or will I choose the easier way?

HELP!!!!