There are a few mods that can be done on these that increases their "performance" pretty dramatically.
Yeah, I've known a lot of people that use them and they can work, most people just don't like to tinker with 'em. For a cheap skimmer they at least do remove some protein though.
TYTry here:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2364519&postcount=3
I put together a few links for another member asking about SeaClone mods.