LOL!
Yup, most of us recommend what we have!

I can see why you like a cartridge filter--having to install extra backwash filtering defeats the purpose of having sand or DE.

Rolling out the backwash hose takes a minute. I have reel for it that takes another minute to roll up...no big deal.

I think the antipathy to carts is that when you clean them, it's very hard to do it without getting soaking wet and filthy--to do it right. But there is some sort of system involving a a close-fitting sealing cylinder that you fill with water and (I believe) electric dishwasher detergent. You buy 2 carts, and when one is dirty, you pull the one out of the cylinder, rinse it off, install it, and put the dirty one in the cylinder with fresh water and detergent--but I've not seen this.

Both sand and DE do a fine job as well. DE is a little more work--not much, but it filters finer particles than sand. Sand, however, can last forever, filters better as it gets older, and a single cup of DE powder in it can improve its filtering dramatically. My dad had 20 odd years of success with DE. I have sand and am just as happy. I had a little cart on an EasySet for 3 years and hated it, even though replacement carts were only $10--full size ones run $75-$125 or more.