I was always worried that things might rust under the tape. (never had anything rust under paint) I tried tape when it first started showing up and it was more a PITA than anything else to apply and keep on. I would hope they have improved it in that respect.
Looks often has little to do with the effect. The whole idea is to break the outline of what your trying to hide. As was mentioned, most animals dont see in color (I do believe birds do though) As far as hunting goes, the most effective I've used, year round on anything, has been the tan ASAT. (the shotguns above are that pattern) That pattern works pretty much anywhere and takes on the surrounding colors well which adds to its effectiveness. Its disruptive pattern, even in areas where you wouldnt think it would be effective, is amazing. Even in a city environment with concrete black top and brick, it works very well to make you look like something other than a person. They may be looking at you, but it doesnt register just what it is they are looking at, especially if your not standing.
The biggest advantage I think, is its ability to keep your outline broken up at a distance. Many of the other patterns are fine in specific terrain or foliage up close, but as soon as you move into the open at any distance, they quickly loose their effectiveness and your outline quickly becomes visible. This is especially true of the darker patterns.
I've been playing with Multicam a lot lately and it seems to work very well in pretty much any terrain or environment too. Its ability to "chameleon" is amazing and it sometimes appears to be another color all together.