your opinions on feeding live really don't matter, because this isn't about YOU.
Yellow was my first beep, and he was started on live. he came to me weighing 90g and took almost a month to eat f/t. he ate, but it was an uphill battle with him for almost two years: so inconsistant, losing weight. i was so close to starting live feedings even though i didn't want to, but we stuck it out i think one more month and he managed to eat a couple times. i worked out a routine with him and kept on my husbandry, and 2 years later he's almost 900g now (i think, haven't weighed him in a bit), almost 3 years old, and does very well although still kind of picky.
the point of my story is: sometimes things can happen where the snake just won't eat despite your best efforts, and it is your responsibility to give the animal every possible chance to thrive, which includes resorting to live prey. i say don't let the possibility of the animal not switching put you off of getting a pet you really want, because the snake isn't who needs to change; it's YOU.
yes live feeding can suck for you, but it's something you gotta accept in this hobby.
i hope my little anecdote helps you. you're not alone with not wanting to use live prey, but remember who we're dealing with: stubborn lil beeps.
