Slideouts: Benefits and drawbacks

We had a non-slide camper for 10 years before we purchased our AF990. The space with the slide out is worth every ounce of weight. It is just DW and a 90lb Chesapeake dog, but in the Oregon wet, things can get crowded. Our camper came with the slide awning installed, so we have not experienced any issues with snow/water coming in the camper. Our neighbor had a TT with a slide, no awning and he had several stories of snow/water in the trailer. I have had the awning flap in high winds, so I bought a cheap blow up beach ball, partially inflate it and stuff it under the awning if it is windy. Keeps the noise down.
As for getting in/out with the slide retracted, I do not find it an obstacle at all. We extend and retract as needed.