Elevation data: TIN vs. DEM (the vector/raster dichotomy epitomised)

In the world of geographic information science there exists two primary kinds of data- vector and raster.  The differences between the two could be discussed to no end, and everyone has their preference, but for some applications one can be simply superior to the other.  A  rather perfect example of this dyad is the comparison of elevation depicted with a vector TIN data set vs. that which is displayed with a raster DEM.  The triangular irregular network (TIN) is created from a series of elevation measurements called 'mass points,' which are connected with 'breaklines,' and elevations are interpolated from these.  The digital elevation model (DEM) is a digital representation of topography, which is displayed with a grid of spot heights, and is a widely used type of raster image.  Contour lines are a standard 2D representation of elevation, and can be created in ArcGIS from either a TIN or a DEM data set.

Above is an image with contour lines created from the same area, one set created from a TIN, and one from a DEM.  The most immediately notable difference between the two sets of lines is that the TIN contours are more angular, and don't curve in the same way as those created from the DEM.  This is somewhat logical, given that the TIN consists of discrete triangles, whereas the DEM represents a more continuous surface of values.  Because elevation is a more continuous phenomena- it's not delineated in nature with discrete lines- one might contend that the DEM provides the superior representation.  The TIN data lacks the more nuanced variations in values, which allow for the curved contour lines.  Thus it could be concluded that though vector data is invaluable in many situations, a raster image is somewhat preferable in the examination of phenomena like elevation.