I suppose it is a personal thing. I have been driving for almost 3 decades now, and my last three cars have had running lights. I believe the other poster is correct - they are documented to be a valid safety measure. As a former motorcyclist, I well remember that motorcycles have to have the headlight on while in operation, and I was glad for anything to help people know I was there. Stands to reason it would increase visibility under certain circumstances for your car. I have put almost 200k miles on my cars with running lights and don't find bulb life to be much reduced. They are easier to replace than in the old days when you had to replace the whole headlight, hold the chrome retaining ring in place while installing screws, and adjust the aim when done. An admitted disadvantage of running lights is that if you are out robbing houses after dusk, you can't be stealthy and run with your lights off.

Gas milage is ever so slightly reduced due to current draw. It would be interesting to know a figure on this. All this said, I think you should be able to get someone, if they are servicing your car, to reprogram them.