Is a backyard offset the best way to cook?
Heck no , a WSM , a kamado, & some electric smokers are easier to use, hold steadier temps & allow unattended cooking.
The one thing a stick burner has is its more FUN!
It's interactive, it's entertaining, it's easier to screw up a cook & makes it more challenging.
It's fun to get your wood, stoke the fire & adjust the temperature by adjusting fuel.
It's great for fellowship & partaking of beverages.
Would I stay up overnight or cook in a cold rain on the stick burner, H!!L no!
On a day without anything important to do with good weather there's no more enjoyable way to cook!
Always better to have a supervisor!
Splitting dried wood