Anybody ever use a trolling plate on their boat, as opposed to dragging chains or buckets or drift socks?

Any advice or opinions for/against?

Got a 75hp Merc on a 16' glass boat and can't get it to go below 2.2 - 2.5mph unless I'm going into the wind or pulling a sock, but the sock gets in the way.

Considering a trolling plate but heard they can be hard on the motor.

Also concerned I'll have to throttle up to get to 1.4 - 1.6mph and will go through a lot more fuel?

Thoughts?