I was a strict hand splitter until recently. I did a "firewood making job" and the homeowner let me use his hydro. I was sold as i was pressed for time. Friend of mine and I were going halves on one until a friend of his bought him one. If i didnt sell wood id still strictly hand split as i agree with you.
jewilson my grandfather cut split and stacked 35 full cord a year.. farmed with horses. No chain saw, 2 man cross cut, double bladed ax and maul! I am only half of what he was and OK with that