I use screw in tree steps too, and have been for more than 20 years. I have never felt bad nor will I in the future. I have some climbing sticks too, each has it's own plus and minus. Tree steps are much easier to transport and other hunters are less likely to find your stand because they are not as obvious. Tree sticks do seem to go up quick, but they are harder to transport and get expensive. Some places do not allow any kind of piercing of the tree bark and that is where strap on stands and climbing sticks arereallygreat.