I realise AOLhometown is a WYSIWYG "toy" as you put it - used simply because it's:
a) there
b) quick
c) easy
but that doesn't mean that someone like me wouldn't prefer to create something more customised and specific. The main reason why I never get round to it is lack of time, and the more I post on Accyweb the less time I have.
It's a case of stepping stones. Each one leading to a more ambitious one.