I bought a Tree Lounge just before season last year. I love the stand for the comfort on all day hunts, but have had the same problems as you on setting it up. The outward weighted design of it (especially with the bowhunter adapter/platform on it) while attaching it to the tree makes for an awkward and noisy set up. Having an extra person around makes it much easier to set up, but isn't always possible. I tend to set my stand up the night before, where I can make a little extra noise without much consequense and then step into it in the morning (not a fix, but an option). I use an API stand for those quick morning hunts where I have to carry a stand in and be a bit stealthier.
For carrying the stand, I have cut a couple of small squares of carpet to place between the seat and foot climber sections where the metal mainly meets and bound the stands together with the safety strap. That tends to quieten down the rattle some.
Good luck and if you find a revolutionary tactic, let us all know!

Rack