It's nice to hear that I'm not the only one using them. Now I don't feel so stupid!
One thing I haven't tried but have hardly ever heard good things about is the Topsy Turvy tomato kit. I don't know of a single person who used theirs more than once.
I've never had a lot of luck with those little peat pellets than you use to start your seeds either. (but some people seem to do okay with them, so it may be a difference in maintenance or humidity conditions.)