You' are right, the new models burn clean and really only require cleaning out coals a couple of times per year. Much more efficient.
If you're an organised person Cupes and can get on top of your woodpile its really easy. It's when you don't seem to know where to get wood, you get behind and it all seems a hassle when there is no need to be like that. As you say, most people need to cut trees and then pay for their removal, how stupid, when there's other people willing to go get it, take it home and win, win.
Yibs you may mention to the boss, the only model you can find comes with it's own "luuurrvvveee rug"