We use an awning because our trailers always came with them. A lot depends on where camp, under trees out in the open etc. We prefer using an awning, but my father in-law who owned a few trailers over the course of 36 years never used an awning even though his trailers had them. When he gave us his last trailer, it was about 8 years old and we were the first to open the awning.
My FIL liked to keep camping simple, no awning, cooked every meal in an electric fry pan. He would setup at a site with two folding chairs, a table cloth on the picnic table and a candle in the middle of the table. His trailer was practically empty except for clothes and a case of beer. He used the heck out of his trailers for 36 years by camping simple.