I tend to have paper lanterns on all my light kits with photofloods. I find that the paper, over the faux silk tends to create a softer light and also creates a warmer colour, due to the pigmentation in the paper. I find them very useful for eye lights, and tight spaces where you need to create a 360 degree throw of light.
Yes the paper lanterns tend to get bashed up easier but they are cheap to replace, so it's easy to have a couple of spares on the truck, that then can then be returned if not opened.
I use black duvetyn with a croc clip to skirt and mould the light and a dimer to control intensity. We have also rigged multiple aperture MC's inside the paper lanterns to create a fire or candle flicker which is also a nice use of china balls.
Lastly due to their weight I have also popped them onto a boom pole and used them as a moving fill light through scenes where there is a lot of movement and you want to keep an even exposure on a person as they move through the space. A very versatile and cost effect light IMO