I'm a believer in barbecuing over pure lump hardwood charcoal or just good 'ol wood. However, I understand why some people like cooking with gas – it is quick to light, and easy to clean. However, it isn't really that portable, and the design of a lot of gas grills takes away from the smokey taste that comes from juices falling right on the heat source.
Interesting compromise: Flame Disk from uGo. It is an aluminum pan filled with solid ethanol… if nothing else, I"d be curious to try it for curiosity's sake.
I love bbq’s the great thing about bbqs is that you don’t have to present the food in any particular way, as it comes is good usually and it tastes great.