"They look like normal bikes with 26" wheels!"

I just prefer them really. Most modern disc brakes work well; especially compared to those I started using about 12-13 years ago. Hydraulics are usually a bit more bling and dead easy to set up: cable brakes usually allow a bit more fine-tuning/tinkering.

Leaking hydraulics are very rare, but when/if they do, it can really spoil your day. I like the idea that a cable can be replaced if I'm in the middle of nowhere.