I have to point out that your experience is not typical. It is the exception based on your location, the size of your operation and the number of years of experience. Add to that your record keeping and scientific analysis and you should concede that the rest of us may not have the same opinion of ASF's.
I don't understand?
The OP was asking what readers thought were better... Rats or ASF's. IMHO especially for newbies, ASF's are the clear winner. Only exception to this is if of course you are in a state where they are illegal.