They're not getting a bad rap from me, I just ordered a six carb manifold for my nailhead. What I give a bad rap to is the people who think a dual quad intake is instant horsepower. As with all the components in and on a performance engine, it is a matter of using the components that compliment each other and work together well. I ran a tri-power J-2 Olds in the late 60's and many unique setups since then, including a set of Webers on a 347 stroker motor. I would disagree that multicarbs are the essence of hotrodding, I would say that individualism, self expression, and creativity are the essence.