To me they are kind of like the Peugeot car -- they aren't for everybody.
Cat, that's a blast from the past and a very true statement.
I researched and shopped tractor auctions for several years now, and never could make the numbers come out. We would up finding a local guy with an articulating armed side mower that comes out twice a year to mow the dam and water front.
It would take me 9 years or so to break even on the cost of a steep bank capable mower, so I quit shopping.