I think, overall, that there are good and bad examples of BOTH kinds of systems, Chas.

Currently, I kind of have the hots for the QSC K-series, several bands and bar/clubs in my area have them. But I already have a nice powered mixer with dual effects (I like my reverb and echo sends separate, and tap tempo control for delay) so I use passive tops (Yamaha's) and a powered sub (Mackie).

But if I was starting from scratch, I might go with a passive mixer and powered tops and a sub. The only downside to the powered tops is you have to run TWO wires to each, for signal AND power. Plus, if either amp OR speaker components go down in a powered system, you lose both until it's fixed - at least with passive, your power amp goes out, you only have to replace the amp, not the speakers as well!

Caveat to all the NH, quiet restaurant players here... this gear is for full on, live band/loud club volumes. If all I needed out of a PA was background levels, my recommendations would change! But I know Chas is MUCH more into live music than arranger solo work!