Something like a Pul-Pal is what I'd consider a tool that has very limited use - not a Hi Lift. A lot of people mount the Hi Lift in the most ridiculous places, thus making it an inconvenience to use. It's like any other piece of gear - you have to know when and where to use it based on how safe the application. Of course we're going to use all these pieces of gear over a week of teaching vs. some recreational person out for the day.
People tend to default to the winch because they paid $600 for it and will always find a need for it, which doesn't mean it's the right tool for the job. But hey it worked, so it's all good.
The traction mats and bridging ladders work great as well. Regularly spending 10 seconds to throw a mat down, will save 10-15 min of getting the winch out. Again it's a matter of "hey I got this", vs. let me take a few seconds to prep the site.
I've had groups show me traction mats they made overseas before their mission that only last a few days, but they worked. Some plywood and nuts/bolts works pretty good too.
MAXTRAX are a bit pricey and their lifespan is limited, since it's made of plastic. We use them a significant amount, but then again we're running 5-6 trucks a day, for 5 days. Our gear gets used more in a few trainings that the recreational person does in a year.