I'd have to argue that setting up the big dob is an absolute breeze compared to the imaging gear. It takes me less than 40 minutes to have it collimated and the servocat aligned. On the other hand I've spent hours contorting myself into position to use PA scopes, mucking about with dodgy cables, batteries and inverters, recalcitrant laptops and finding creative new ways to assemble sequences of swear words while Barry is quietly enjoying the view of the heavens through his 28", (and as well as my sideshow) having finished setup some hours earlier...
I don't know what the fuss about ladders is either, most of the time you sit on it and it is perfectly comfortable. As long as you limit yourself to a couple of bottles of wine you should be OK, but I'm ashamed to admit I found out about that (and how Jackie Chan does those tricks on ladders) the hard way.
These days we've got to drive a long way for some dark skies, and I dread the drive far more than setting up my spaceship. Here's me as close to heaven as I want to be.
cheers,
Andrew.