Hello Franklin. A very nice write up. I have had one of these for a couple of years, but only used it 3 or 4 times. I agree entirely with your findings and mainly used it with an ED 72 scope on an AZ 5 mount. It certainly gives a good degree of light protection from nearby light sources and it is nice to be out of a cold wind. I also used it with a bigger set up. An ED 120 on a Berlebach wooden tripod with an AZ 100 mount.As you suggested this is really only possible if you are looking at a specific area of the sky. I did move it around a bit but it was a real flaff. As you pointed out it is very easy to assemble and take down after a session.
The reason I have only used it a few times is that I have I gave up observing for the past 18 months or so but if the skies ever clear here again I will give it more use.