BOTTOM LINE: Are any of you guys using these things on your engines? Or are they just "convenient bullshit" and I need to work harder at finding more OEM inspired stuff?
Bottom line:
I use what works, and those barbed fittings work.
I also use screw type clamps on EVERYTHING that requires a hose. (excepting nylon 12 fuel line) as I will use that purely as clampless "push on"
Yes, pulling them back off is a PIA but they don't pop off by themselves either like a radiator or heater hose can.
My car is a daily driver that does interstate runs on a fair regular basis, so my car is reliable as a rock and those barbed fittings are part of what makes it that way.
I don't give a hoot what other people say about it either, because they won't be the one on the side of the road in the middle of a desert trying to find a tow truck.:D
