I like Ladder stands so use them a lot...most of mine are on walk in land only so its a little harder for them to pack out...Having a buddy help out the ladder stands can be carried in like a stretcher ..easier than it sounds
Comfort is worth it...
We dont bother chaining them as if they want them they will get them...we have lost a couple of perfect trees ...as they cut tree to steal stand that had removable steps and it was chained...
Neil