I use an Ol'man climber. Absolutely not difficult. The cable goes around the tree and into the tube on the other side with a loop, pin clamp goes through, very easy, very easy to climb with it, very easy to carry, pack etc...

The Gorilla is the same stand, you would never have had the trouble you had with your story. I also hear good things about Summit but it sounded like you were talking about their cable system?