Where possible get the analytics code in the head of your header.php file and avoid having another plugin in the list for the blog to load, the files using storage space, more files to backup and you’ll be minus an sql query. The header in a WordPress theme already does a lot of work which is not required if your sticking to the same theme forever. Actually with some php removed from the header your blog will run much faster, it is a service WebTechGlobal offers with money back if you don’t notice speed increase.

My point is plugins add to your blogs work load but are still the right option when you can see the code option having to be done too many times over the course of you perfecting your blog.

Ryan