I've had one for about 8 years, with 12, 18, & 24" buckets. Bought it with a group of tools and didn't think I'd use it much, but it has come in very useful. I did remove the coupler as it took too much space.
Keep in mind I also have a full size BHL.
It comes in very handy when in tight areas especially next to buildings since it has a side shift carriage. It allows you to dig parallel to structures and footings. Its also easy to take with on the trailer and hitches just as any hydro tool.
As far as repositioning, I have the CAT version that operates from inside the cab so it is very simple to move. Visibility isn't bad as long as you jack the seat up and slide all the way to the front. Deeper than about 4' you will need a spotter if you are working straight down around utilities.
Some day I'll need to upgrade to a wider carriage as CTLs are a bit wider.
Only improvement would be if they figured how to operate it from the existing joysticks.
It's not a mini-ex, but it's close.