Do people use surge protector power bars for their pins? Or just plug them directly into the wall? I'm guessing the fuses in the pin would provide the same protection as a surge protector, but I wonder what other people think?

Advice accepted. I have ordered a Tripp Lite one. Only 6 outlets, and 6' of cord, but it should do the trick. It remains to be seen if this will reduce drains.

I'm thinking the value of the strip might be that some of them come with monetary guarantees vs damage. I've never in my life heard of someone cashing in on that. So either they don't pay, or the strips work very well.