I have owned 7 Big Green Eggs in the last 7 years. I don't ever see myself without one. It's a fantastic grill. You literally set it and forget it. Which is awesome but I knew I had to be missing something. I picked up a Shirley stick burner this summer and found exactly what I was missing. Yes it takes way more work than the BGE but the flavor can't be replicated.
I always chuckled when people mentioned that they missed using sticks and stoking a fire. I always thought they couldn't be serious when they said that. I mean who wants to go through all that extra work? I can proudly say I'm one of those people who enjoy the extra work now. It feels like I drive the cook rather than just picking it up when it's done. It's rewarding I guess. That's maybe why I've never bought an automatic transmission vehicle.
That's just my personal experience with sticks so far. I can also see why others are opposed to it. Especially being limited with time. The BGE will always be my workhorse but sticks are way more fun and rewarding!