There are two issues with that logic: 1. Yes, probability of gmail data loss is less than probability of desktop mail data loss. But that's for the average us

There are two issues with that logic: 1. Yes, probability of gmail data loss is less than probability of desktop mail data loss. But that's for the average user. An individual desktop mail user can improve his probability to a higher level than gmail if he chooses. 2. Google may lose your data due to unexpected account termination as mentioned in the story above.