I completely agree it isn't fair to try to stereotype a group because they choose to use a crossbow. At the same time, I don't think that was BGfisher's intention. He did list three very different categories of crossbow hunters he has encountered.

From my experience I have noticed that many people that I have talked to realize a bow, whether it's a compound or trad, has a limited range, but feel that a crossbow has a great range. When I ask why they believe that they say because they are faster. I then explain that it's because a bolt is lighter than an arrow and has more energy transferred to it, but because it is so much light is loses that energy faster. For some it sinks in and others it doesn't. I have noticed that there is a pretty large misconception that crossbows are more "powerful."

With that being said I don't believe the problem is in the equipment, but in the lack of knowledge by the general public about the proper application of that equipment. Just like the guy who thinks it's OK to take an 80 yard shot with a compound because he's never been told otherwise.

To me, yes. They are loud. They are heavy. They are cumbersome to reload. These are all subjective and some may not feel any of these factors are an issue. I've considered buying a crossbow to play around with, but the cost of a good one is too prohibitive at this time.