I always hand catch because I've experienced issues when landing on the ground, but have not tried hand launching in part because I haven't had a need. I use a plastic bucket originally full of laundry soap to carry all my stuff, and I usually launch from the lid. I've installed small mirrors to help me see the flashpoint lights easier, and the height of the bucket gets me up out of any foliage. My take offs are always very controlled and don't have a need to change.
When traveling with my Phantom in a backpack, I have a small piece of cardboard box I use to launch from.
I was trying to fly along the Mediterranean coast of Italy recently and couldn't find a clear level spot to launch from and considered hand launching, but I was concerned about what would happen if I had a RTH situation and elected not to fly.
I would consider hand launching, but can't envision a situation where I would need to.