I'm back to soil now due to space and set-up, but as far as trying to set up a DIY E&F and DWC- the bang for buck in a 5 gal DWC set-up is hard to beat. Plus as stated before me, I've seen some impressive yields from 5gal DWC grows. I too have heard the E&F is easier, but the DWC set-up was pretty damn simple too and only needed a timer for lights. I think it boils down to personal preference or what works best for your space, time, and needs.