I'm sorry, but those can make pretty decent hides, depending on the size of your snake. You just have to set them up right. I usually agree with you, but here I believe you are stating just what others have said. When used like they are in the pet stores, they are not good hides.
If you have the back and sides of your tank covered, stand the half log up on it's side, and put a branch near it. He'll go down inside and curl up. Mine would make tunnels so he could get in and curl up. Makes a real nice tight space for them. If you have something covering the top of your tank, it's dark and secure enough for them as well.
Edit: I didn't see your post above this one. A big fake plant to kinda cover the top would work extra good for this as well.
A Shot of my old tank setup. (Guess where Vincent is in this picture)
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