I had the pleasure of some little time in the crosswind version. This was in the early 1960's. As desert duck #43 states, once you get used to it, quite some fun.
Never quite understood the point of the xwind gear myself, it seemed like an unnecessary complication.
Once the technique of lowering the into wind wing down is mastered, I contend that the xwind landings are actually easier than direct headwinds.
The aircraft is less likely to bounce with one leg planted first.
Keeping it straight is then just a matter of judicious use into wind aileron as the ship slows down.
The machine going sideways would scare the hell out of me.