Tree stands weren't legal for hunting w/ firearms in Michigan when I was starting out (there are now). So I learned to just snuggle up to a tree in a likely place. It worked out real well for me and the rest of the family hunters.
Years later, hunting in Minnesota, it was legal to use a stand and so I got one of those $60 jobbies from Gander Mtn. I found that there, and here in FL, it's legal to use a treestand on public land as long as you take it with you when you, and it's not a permanent piece of work (a portable that is, not a good sturdy wood one you build).
I like it for hunting in cover, when you want a view of trails that's better than you could get sitting down. I'm not an overachiever - I usually hang mine about 8-10 feet up, if that (I still think hanging the things is a pain, esp if you're doing it in the dark at 0530).
If you get a portable, I'd highly recommend practicing with it a couple times before you take it out for Opening Day. The first time you hang one in a tree it's probably going involve some cursing. But you can figure your technique out pretty well just by doing it a couple times in the yard in broad daylight. ALthough your neighbors might start to wonder, it'll decrease the time you take and the noise you make in the field.
Also - I'm a big fan of the safety issue. Although I'm guilty of not always using a line to pull my gear up once I'm in the tree, I always unload before going up. That'd be a crappy way to die.
Also - hint - get a couple extra of those screw-in steps. Once you're in your stand, you can attach one to the tree. Very handy place to hang your Big Bag With Coffee, Water and Snacks (I call it my "hunt'n purse").