I don't agree with everything but a lot of the workouts are great. I'm not sure what you mean by "accomplish", I'm sure everyones goal is different but my goal is to be physically fit and look good naked(not joking at all) oh and kick both of my brothers asses in the workouts. I like the competition of it and being able to have things to work on and seeing improvements. It's also a great way to meet new people. If you have good programming it really is pretty great.
It gets a bad rap because it has this brand name of crossfit. everyone associates it with something but if I did a workout that someone else did and just called it a workout no one would say anything but you do that workout and say its crossfit all of a sudden its taboo in some peoples mind.
I'm just wondering if the same things can be accomplished, physical fitness wise, through standard weight training and interval training or circuits without doing ridiculous complexes that involve repeating an extremely technical lift over and over again in a fatigued state.
I understand the competition aspect. I'm sure there are some affiliates who aren't drinking the kool-aid and just pay the fee so they can market the brand (smart business). I really do despise Greg Glassman, though, but I try to keep those feelings separate from my skepticism towards xfit.
I'd probably enjoy lifting at a box more than I would the Rec, based on the equipment most affiliates have, but I don't want to be in there during a group workout or give a penny of my money to Glassman.