I started using these things again this year. I normally make my own, but I ran out and haven't made more yet. I think it's because I committed to making a video tutorial for it.
I don't remember the starter cubes being so messy. Popping them out of the tray sends little chunks of white shit everywhere. I don't want my dogs eating that crap. The foil from previously opened slots peel off sporadically and litter the yard. They don't even burn completely up anymore. They leave behind some funky little spongy ash ball.
They're a hell of a lot better than paper towels or newspaper, but I definitely need to make some starters soon.