I've read through this thread. I'm considering purchasing this item, but the cost is more than my kettle and I could get a separate cheapo (brinkmann) smoker and modify it for the same cost so it makes me pause. I've never smoked on my kettle before so I have trouble understanding the main advantage to the slow n sear over snake method or firebrick/rails/metal plate to pile up coals on the side (which seems equiv to the smokenator). I know there's the WR that lets you only use 1Qt of water, but I could just get a larger pan of water. It has the "sear" ability, but I can easily raise my charcoal grate closer to the cooking grate. Does the slow 'n sear allow better "set it and forget it" ability so you dont have to mess with the vents or add more coals versus the other methods, that might justify the cost for me? When I read about the snake method or the pile up on side method, I often see a wide range of comments between people saying they dont need to make any adjustments to people saying they have to mess with the vents every hour. Or is it equiv to the other techniques in terms of "set it and forget it" and just provide easier setup?