I'm a steady KBB user. First because I'm cheap and you can't those sales at Lowes/Home Depot.
From there, I see no downside. No one in my family, even extended family, has ever mentioned any "bad taste" associated with anything that I've grilled or smoked. I tried some Royal Oak briquettes and, in a very unscientific manner, noticed nothing different. The amount of ash is not a problem, my trash can is only about a dozen steps from my Weber. If it fills up more quickly, that's okay because, frankly, I need the exercise ! ! ! I've even got a big bag of Royal Oak lump, but frankly have not found a reason to open it. I will at some point, I guess . . .
BD