John,
I feel the same way. I had more fun building them than really hunting out of them. I usually sit with more than one person if I go to one. Hunted the "condo" last night with my dad. I've been under the weather and the heat has been bad so I didn't feel like sitting in a tree stand. Brian and I put in a new lane that cuts through a bedding area as well as a new water hole and it was fun to watch the little ones come out last night and frolick around. I think I've killed two deer out of these blinds but, I have been able to take my daughter out in the woods since she was three years old. She doesn't get cold and doesn't get bored and was a great way to introduce her to the enjoyment without all the downfalls of "cold and bored". She takes her friends out there in the spring time. They color (I have coloring books in a cabinet). They have a great time in it. You can sit in there, talk, play cards, and enjoy the company of others. Sure, you can sit in the house, but it isn't out in the woods, being out in nature, without all of the negatives that go with it. Parents get older and still want to enjoy the outdoors and it is a great way to do so.

Hugastump: I own three portable shanties but am usually the guy you see out on the ice in nothing but bibs hopping from hole to hole. I'm the fortunate person that doens't get cold for some reason.