I think a bit of both in the house is good! Cats get more grip on carpets so can run around easily, but of course laminate (or tiling for that matter) are loads easier to clean, as you say. Plus you don't get the dreaded carpet holes by the doors
If I had the opportunity, I would ensure that any carpeted room was one in which there were no doors the cats would ever be shut behind to avoid that problem. In my last place I didn't want them in the spare room, so I had to put down carpet protector by the door as of course, they were quite insistent about trying to get in there! In this place, I've had to abandon that rule as the landing carpet is a beautiful, pristine deep pile affair. If I had my own way, I think I'd make all hallways, landings etc, plus the kitchen, laminate/tiled flooring. (unfortunately, i live in a rented house so can't go pulling up the carpets!)
As an aside, I think I've almost managed to train Shanti to be sick in the kitchen! Regularly putting her in the kitchen when she's having a bit of a heave seems to be gradually sinking in, and each time she seems to make it closer to the kitchen, bless her!