Tomas,
You're partly right.
Partly? I'd say bang on the money.
I've used the CLS as couple of times, maybe 3. I see its uses, but probably because I have plenty of studio equipment I'm less enthusiastic about it than you. In other words, partly because of the kind of work I do and partly because I have other choices, I have much less experience of hotshoe flashes than you do. But, as lighting moderator on photo.net, I've seen countless posts from people who have relied on these systems and come unstuck. Let's face it, they're good but VERY complicated. In my experience, simplicity = reliability.
All of our tools and their manuals/instructions can and are perceived as complicated. Initially.
Many of these posts I assume can most likely be written off as user error, misunderstanding and unfamiliarity.
We all are guilty of it now and again and it is common to be the cause of the problem.
I agree with you about the need to trigger the lights.
Well, we have no alternatives as yet, so, were stuck
Let's say that it comes in a carrycase that can include everything except modifiers - probably less bulk and similar weight to the 10 hotshoe flashes needed to create the same power. And bear in mind that there are some portable power systems of similar size/weight that produce power to match 40 hotshoe flashes.
I take at the most 5 or 6 hotshoes with me to a job I have had little briefing on, 70% percent of the time I'm alone and traveling by public transport.
There's me and a lowepro fastpack 350 with an elinchrom stand bag ball bungeed to my backpack. Something of that size is a no go.
I take my D-Lites when I hire an assistant with wheels

The only time I wil be thinly spread as it where, is if I have large subject matter to light over a large distance.
Then the big balls are called in, otherwise I get by, deliver the goods and earn my crust just fine without all that. Thanks to the teachings of those I defend, I know it's possible because it has helped me to develop and to granted me the opportunities I am grateful for.
I'm not making any assumptions about you, in fact I'm sure that you honestly believe in what you're saying - but I am assuming that the people who make promotional videos for manufacturers do get paid to do so, and I'm assuming that the people who sell DVD's on hotshoe lighting techniques are making a profit from them.
I didn't think you were and I whole heartedly believe in what I'm saying because it works for so many others than me alone. I've learned from them.
As for the 'people who make promo vids', it's a shame you think like that, 'Unca Joe' is completely the polar opposite, he's the sincere, genuine article.
Maybe look at him a little closer, read a little more and look a little deeper. He's an egoless, insatiable shutter bug with a relentless encouraging nature, who openly admits he's still learning. There truly is nothing to be suspicious about.
And I slightly resent the suggestion that I have something to sell. I haven't mentioned any specific brand, and even if you were to link my views to the fact that I act as techie for a lighting manufacturer, I don't get paid a sales commission
Then I respectfully withdraw my comment and apologize.
