I'm about 10 days behind on this post, but will add my opinion. I purchased one of these stands last year, just in time to use it about half a dozen times before the season expired. I LOVE IT.
I can climb trees that I would not have otherwise been able to get into and it is much quieter than my API Grand Slam with those dang chains. The cranks seem sturdy enough to me, but the bottom one is a little akward to operate...until you get use to it. Sideways is right, it's not as comfortable as a stand that you sit down in. I can sit (and nap if need be) all day in my API, but can't last more than about 4 hours in this rig. Sitting up straight like that gets to my back. It's also very cool to be able to turn the seat around and face the tree if you want.
If you have more questions, let me know.

P.S. Good to see you again sideways. Happy hunting.

Craig