(1) I don't want divots in my lawn. So maybe this would work at a park or something, but using it at the park is likely to be frowned upon.
If I'm just hitting driver (off a tee), this concern would be minimized. But then I'm just hitting driver.
(2) I agree that going to the range is sometimes a hassle. But walking 30 feet in between every shot (to pick up the ball) is also a hassle. Yes, that sounds lazy, but so does saying it's a hassle to go to the range.
(3) I wonder how much feedback I'd really get from this, in terms of knowing whether I hit a good shot or not. With that said, seeing some trajectory is better than most alternatives on the market. And using a real golf ball (and getting the feedback at contact that comes from that) is a big plus, as they point out.
Best of luck to your friend!