I'm not sure I would buy the 8 pack again either as it is a fair amount of work but honestly I haven't really thought about other growing other ways (areo etc) If you are looking for a "turn-key" system I would probably says it is pretty good as far as having pretty much what you "need" but I completely agree with X-C about modifying it right off the bat because what you "need" vs what will make your life easier on a daily basis are definitely two different things. I'm on my way to work so can't think right now but will try to put together some thoughts on what things are the most work about it when I can. Some of the obvious have been mentioned but there are other things....cleaning the whole thing out after a grow is a bitch and a 1/2.... give me some time to shake the rocks out of the brain.