I have been BBQ'ing for years. I have had brinkman smokers (messy and hard to regulate) and I have had offset grill/smokers. I still use my offset for certain types of cooking, but this smoker is great. I have cooked on it every weekend since it arrived. It was not difficult to assemble. It took my wife and I about one and a half hours total. There is a learning curve to getting the hang of it but it is very easy to regulate.
I had the same problem as everyone else with the thermometer but fairly easy to remove front and correct.
I have read some reviews saying it was difficult to get maximum heat. I have found that when using a water pan you will loose some heat. The trick is to use "Lump" charcoal as it burns hotter than briquettes. Also use less water in pan and replenish as needed.
I believe I could cook as many as 9 butts at a time if I wanted.