I have one for a long-ish time, started really using it now. It is daunting at first (still is) but I can feel the potential. You just have to invest some time in getting to know it and how to set it up.

Proprietary apps might be more user friendly, but I guess that's how they get you. Also, I imagine HA is easier if you want to set up something overly specific.

I'm still in the daunting phase though.