Banana plugs? Definitely

Banana plugs are damn good for lab equipment.

As a speaker connector? Fuck banana plugs. Speakon is the only way.

What are you doing with your cables that “structural rigidity” is a major concern?

Lightning is rounded and thus easier to insert. It doesn’t scratch the surface of whatever you‘re trying to plug it in to and on top of that it slightly clicks into place. Just by itself, the plug is superior yes.