Jim,
I really didn't want to ever put my snakes in tubs either. In fact I built a beautiful wooden display case back when I had about 5 snakes. Although the enclosure was beautiful, it wound up a being a huge pain in the butt. After doing the research, like you I figured out that the tubs set ups were more than just for my convenience. The snakes eat, poop, pee, shed and breed very well. I figured that's what they do in the wild. Besides every time you go out and open a tub, you get to see those beautiful animals quite content and not stressed. Good luck, I think you made the right decision.
Mike