I own a landscape design/installation/maintenance company in Chicago.  We do many seasonal container gardens because many clients have decks, balconies or terraces rather than actual in-ground gardens.  These planters are great because they are lightweight (good on roofs), are attractive (they don't look plastic), are a good size for a small tree or shrub, and last forever.  The style is very classic and clean looking.  I have clients with modern and traditional aesthetics that find them attractive.  

In Chicago, we don't use the self-watering feature because the plants rot.  We drill holes in the bottom and treat them like a regular container.  All good.