Well, I'm a new PPL holder, so perhaps my opinion doesn't count too much...
Anway, I've just sold two CRP-1s, but that's only because I have a CRP-5 now.
I actually enjoy using it - but I'm not anti-technology. I have a flight calculator, too, and use it for rapidity when the time matters. Prefer using the CRP-x though - as people say, it assists visualization of the problem and its solution when vectors are involved. It also forces a mental estimate of the order of the correct answer to all calculations - so one is mentally undertaking an automatic check of the sense of the calculation.
Mind you, I also enjoy working out crosswind components by multiplying the crosswind velocity by the sine of the crosswind angle, etc., - I know its sad, but, as a musician, I enjoy maths.!