If you winch over a lot of rock or rough surface, then cable might be a better bet as winch rope is susceptible to abrasion damage. I have a sliding dyneema sheath about 4" long on my rope to run out to any place the rope has to run over something that might damage it. Rope also should really be covered on the winch drum while not in use, to prevent UV degradation of the material.
I prefer rope to cable as its lighter, stronger and safer in the even of something letting go.
There is definitely a case for running either cable or rope...... if I was doing a lot of winching on a regular basis, though rocky areas.....I'd have cable on mine.
But, the truth is that I bought my winch for the occasional "damn, I'm really stuck" moments......so rope is a great choice for me.