You can use them alone, especially for 2TC, I like the bullmans. Last year i ended up mostly doing RDA one stick small platform, with 3-4 steps depending on the size of tree, and the predator XL just didn’t get employed much. I’m considering going back to the ratchet, since I’ve had trouble getting the OCB tight on some “weird” trees, or leaners but only if i can reliably keep that darn thing quiet.
Majority of my time, I’m sitting pigeon toes with my heels on the RDA crows nest, and my toes on the steps at 4 o’clock and 8 o clock. I climb with the steps around my neck (probably a bad practice), so i decide at base of the tree if i need a 4th step, and if so I’ll dig it out of the pack. Only did this once.
I take my time fixing the one stick and the steps on the last move while sitting back in the saddle.