This could turn into an interesting post, seeing as how there is such a diversity of thoughts regarding physical filtration methods: felt socks, people who use no socks at all, mesh socks, etc.
I am only commenting as a 'bump' to see what people think of them. I use socks, and don't find the maintenance regarding them a problem. I can't fit a filter roller in my current set up, or I might have purchased one...but not because I thought they worked "better" perse, but only because I really like all the equipment associated with running a tank.