issybird
I have never seen side loading as a significant road block.
But then, I am frequently on a PC yaking on MR, so having my device on a USB cable getting loaded and charging is little effort.
The Pluses: I am not chained to any one store. I have
those tools that help with that

, AND Calibre to Manage and Convert
Besides, My TBR list is already out of control
I don't need to make more
impulse purchases.