Setup is actually really easy because it basically pops open like an umbrella and then the only thing left to do after mounting the light head is to add the diffuser cover. It's really simple and fast.
The mount inside the strip to hold the head can be a little funky. I prefer to work with head + powerpack because the weight distribution is better than with a monolight. Also, it's nice to adjust the power settings from a power pack since the head is basically enclosed inside of the strip and difficult to reach. The elinchrom RX monolights have a wired remote option, so it can possible to change the power settings and modeling light on them without opening the strip. But not all Elinchrom monoblocks can be remotely controlled, so it's something to think about. Some people think that they can adjust the power settings by using the skyport or something like that...but I had all kinds of issues with mine and couldn't rely on it.
The light quality is perfect. There isn't any more than about 1/3 of a stop difference between the far edges of the strip and the center. Basically, it's as close to being a perfectly evenly distributed source of light as a photographer is ever going to need. Of course, the edges of the source are not recessed and there are no barndoor or grid options. So the light can spill around a bit and that might bother some people that want more control on a tight set.
It really needs a stand with some weight attached in order to prevent tipping. A regular bogen type of kit stand should work fine, but it's definitely going to need a sandbag or some kind of counterbalance weight attached. I developed a preference for using it with matthews beefy baby stands.
I can't really comment on how useful it can be since each photographer has his own style and idea of lighting. Personally, I liked to use it as edge lights on full-length people photos. It's absolutely gorgeous for that...
As a mainlight source it's important to be aware that the shadow direction can be controlled by where the center of the source is placed. For example, if the strip were to be used as a mainlight on a full-length human subject then the center of the strip might actually have to be placed slightly above the subject's eyes in order to create pleasing downcast shadows. If the center of the strip is placed pointing towards the center of the person, then the shadows will go slightly sideways. So it just depends on the effect that the photographer is looking for...It's kind of hard for me to explain but would really be easy to show. Maybe try and imagine that a person is standing right next to the strip and the bottom of the strip is a about the same height as the person's feet and the top of the strip is about the same height as the top of the person's head. IF the strip were being used as a mainlight in this fashion, then the shadows would be going kind of sideways on the person. In order to get teh shadows going down then the strip would actually have to be raised so that the center of it is at about the eye level of the person. I hope that makes sense.
Anyhow, I love all of the Elinchrom indirects and think that they are the best modifiers in the lineup. I actually can't stand to work with direct softboxes anymore because the light is too contrasty (for my taste). I love the look of indirects. The only reason for getting rid of my indirects is because of economic reasons, it had nothing to do with the quality of the modifiers or the light that they produced. Just for the record, I ain't plannin to go outta business just hopefully moving up (broncolors)
Not sure if that helps or not but feel free to ask if you've got anymore questions. Good luck with whatever you decide