Nope, I take them off my machines since I can't stand reaching over them to make sure everything is out of the machine. Just set a laundry basket up against the front of your dryer and nothing will hit the ground on the way out.

I think that they make a nice folding table for folding items on the spot. A nice touch.

I also use my door as a folding table. My laundry room is very small and there is not room to add a seperate table. If I cannot find another that I like when my dryer needs to be replaced, I will miss it.

I think it just depends on what you're used to. I'd always had the hamper style, but my new dryer only came in the side swinging. It took me a couple of weeks to get fully used to it, but now it's fine. It is easier to get things out not having to lean across the door, but I also can't just throw wet clothes on the door and then shove them all in like I did before. IMO, it's not really that big of a deal either way though.