that is true with any kit, reguardless of how you carry it. If you practice enough, you get efficient with it.
Very true.
For the entire time that I have been playing airsoft, I have used neither PALS nor ALICE. I have always used the genuine GI issue WWII-Korea era field gear with the bent wire clips that attach through the holes in the bottom of the utility belt. I am probalby the only person I know that has this setup in the field, (and literally not in a musem)
But for the years that I have been using it, I gave grown used to its style of organization and am able to work very efectively with it. I a can unholster my .45 from my leather flap holster just as quick as my buddy can unbutton and pull his beretta from his leg holster.
Like it was stated, its all individual preference, not universal efficiency. Some PALS setups dont neccitate the ability to carry canteens, Whilst some ALICE setups can limit the amount of mags that one can carry, and both of these necessities are equally indespensible in the field. Its really only about what each person perfers is most suited for themselves.