I've been running lots of different 'scopes in the same dome for about 20 years, which has seen one house move and many extreme weather events in that time. Like the duracell bunny it just keeps going and going...and despite the non-insignificant start-up cost, it has really only cost me $400 a year during that time
Apart from shielding the telescopes from the wind, it does a good job of blocking out the next door neighbour's flood lights.
Mine is fully automated (MaxDome II plus AutomaDome) ...in fact I've even used the system while I've been overseas...but mostly use the scope/CCD's via the LAN that runs to my home office....makes imaging runs in the winter very comfortable.
As for the "look". Well, yes I often get "What's that?!!" from visitors/tradies etc. Most think it's great and are amazed by the fact there are "astronomical telescopes" in there
