For sure everyone is different. And I've tried it all. Climber, hang on, ladderstands, big platform, little platform, ring of steps, bolts, top step of stick, and just standing on a limb. They all have merits. Disregarding comfort (subjective) and setup effort (less subjective, but still subjective) I feel a ring of bolts offers you the most shot options on the most trees. You get to pick and place as many solid footholds on the tree as you feel you need on that tree.
Most of the options can work most of the times for most of the hunters.
And some of the options work none of the times for some of the hunters.
And all of the options work all of the times for Nutterbuster because he's the best. Anyone who says otherwise only says so because he stays awake at night wishing he was as awesome as Nutterbuster.
(Y'all didn't think I was gonna get lame just because I had a vendor badge again, did ya?
But for realsies, everybody has different goals and priorities. I'm glad GCR started a 7 page and counting thread on the ring of steps. Really, everybody should probably own some and a good platform. And a pacseat. And a hand climber. And a hang on stand. And a 5 gallon bucket. But if ya can only have one, get a 5 gallon bucket.
note to @DanO. offer EWOTASDAGS (eastern woods outdoors tactical assault storage device and ground seat)