Strut and the various hardware that goes with it are all just tools of the trade. Used properly in the right place and time, it is invaluable. Used in the wrong way and in the wrong place it is worse than a disaster.
Strut is not a good general purpose hanging structure. Unlike good
ole standard "pipe" it takes a short learning curve to adjust, it isn't just "hook and clamp". IMHO the
City theatrical Track Tamer and
the Light Source UB2B are the only reasonable method/hardware available on today's market. If strut is what you have to deal with, stop whining and figure out how to use it.
As Derek pointed out, it is extremely useful in "finished" venues like ball rooms, casinos, show rooms and the like. A recent install at a casino
ballroom/
stage is a case in
point. The room design with coffered ceilings and ornate structure did not provide a position to front light the
stage apron downstage of the curtain. They did not want a bunch of pipe and
stage lights hanging from the ceiling and around the 12' diameter chandeliers. The solution was strut, flush to the underside of the ceiling, powder coated to match the off white ceiling color. The
track tamers saved about 4" of space and were a clean sharp look, unlike a "C" clamp. The
track tamers were powder coated the same and the source 4
ERS were also custom color to match.
Gel frames,
safety cables, the whole she-bang, custom color. One of the little known accessories for strut is paintable plastic strips that click in place to
cover the slot. The end result was that 16 S4 19 degree
ERS are in plain sight but virtually invisible unless you actually look up and try to see them. Pipe and "C" clamps, even powder coated could not have blended in so nicely.
IMHO, if you have a situation where the instruments are put up and taken done often, strut is not a best choice. If you have a set-up where the units are in place for extended periods of time and moved little or rarely, and appearance is important, then strut is a good option to consider.