I agree... too many people stray away from gimmicks because of how "dirty" and "impractical" they CAN be. My personal opinion is that gimmicks are very useful props that are available to me to ENHANCE, SIMPLIFY, or straight out ACHIEVE an effect. A friend of mine is an awesome card magician, down to the theory and sleights, yet he strays away from gimmicks because he hates feeling "dirty" and would much rather be able to peform a similar or the same effect using just a pack of red bikes. In my honest opinion, him and you others out there who take gimmicks for granted should (possible explanation) get over your fears or quims of using them, and start experimenting. Take your magic a different direction, or maybe use it to help a direction you're already heading towards, and i guarantee you wont have wasted your time!