Lindmar, I've had somewhat the same experience - freaked out my wife when she thought for sure I'd break some priceless
artifact (would that I should be so lucky!). However, since I bought it to teach her to fly cast, not sure the idea hasn't backfired on me.
I do feel, however, that aside from finding enough clear space and height to really use it, it
does really help in exaggerating the senses that tell you when you've got the rhythm right. I notice, for example, that you can really feel the "tug" that occurs when you've fully loaded the rod on the back cast and should begin the forward cast.
Now, if I only had a 6,000 sq.ft. McMansion with a bowling alley to practice it in . . .
