I don't think they're over-looked, especially by doctors as gels are pushed hard by the industry and are the easiest and possibly the safest way for doc's to go. Remember, most doc's are not trained in hormones so this is simple for them. To many it's just a lifestyle issue. It gets old slathering that stuff on every day.
When I did use it I felt good, just after time I could not maintain the levels I wanted. Absorption issues seem to creep up with gels, anecdotally at least.