Pre-kids, started with a non-slide. Added kids, so moved to a slide and wouldn't want it any other way. Love the space and love the roomy booth dinette. Works great for meals, playing games and planning our excursions (reading maps, books, iPad, etc.)
Although full access is possible with the slide in on a Lance 855S, sometimes we put it out about 6-inches when stopping along the road. The remote control makes it simple and it literally takes a few seconds. If you can operate your cell phone, you can put out your slide with ease.