You must not have hit the travel centers I've stopped at. The diesel islands are all pretty nasty with spilled diesel, and many trucks idling add to the aroma. :)
I've never gotten into a spot that I couldn't get out of, but I've been in several places where it would have been nice to not have to be there in the first place. But if you're off the interstate sometimes you have to fill up when your little tank runs low, not when you want to.
I have an RV so I don't have to eat in a restaurant if I don't wish to, so modern stations with a restaurant are a wash.
Sorry, but I'll take the "waste of time and money", usually a couple bucks and an extra 15 minutes or so, over the hassle of all the above mentioned items.
Don't like an auxiliary tank? Don't buy one. Your choice, but don't denigrate the wise people who do. :)