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I think more guys cook on the RF's nowdays but I've always been used to the temperature gradient you get with a traditional stickburner-no tuning plates needed, only a baffle of some kind. Aaron has mentioned in his book that he's actually jammed an old license plate into the firebox/cook chamber opening before to suffice.
I have a smoke that started from that. I didnt build it, but i've cooked many a brisket and other tasty delights on it. Mine does not have a separate fire box. The fire is in one of the spherical ends and it is completely open to the cooking area.