Why is inductive instead of capacitive power factor preferred?
It's just as easy both ways theoretically but consider "size" as the main practical limitation. A 10 uF non-polarized capacitor running on 230 V AC will have an impedance of 318 ohms at 50 Hz and you should be able to hold a couple of them in your hand (discharged of course) very easily. They will also be less than a dollar each.

The equivalent inductance is about 1 henry and will take a current of about 720 mA and, to avoid saturation problems will weigh more than a couple of kilogrammes and not that easily fit in your hand. Price probably about $10+.

But, the bottom line is that most pieces of equipment that cause non ideal power factors are motors and these are corrected by capacitors.


  Why is inductive instead of capacitive power factor preferred?


It's not anyone's preference, it's practicality.