I quite agree and the 172 electric flaps don't help. Seem to take forever to wind in and out.
The PA 28 flaps are much more manoeuvrable and quickly usable in a go around.
That handbrake style lever gives variable flaps to suit and you can pull it up and down to suit the circumstances. Reminds me of the collective on a helicopter.
I love the flaps on the Piper family which assist getting in and out of short strips.