pumps really change how you brew and open up doors to more advanced techniques. I don't know what I'd do without my pumps. without them i'd have to have a 4 tier setup, with HLT at the top, followed by MT, kettle and finally fermenter at the bottom. I couldn't recirculate, use a herms for temp control, etc....I especially couldn't make 15-20GAL batches without having 10 foot + ceilings and a stap ladder.
I'm still using one of those little greatbreweh pumps for most everything and it works great, especially for the price. Just yesterday I pumped 20 gallons of hot wort through a 25' CFC, and about 20 feet of 1/4" hose. It just chugged away with no problem. Very impressed with how well it works for it's size.
Happy, I'll loan you one of my greatbreweh pumps to try out. Use it for a couple of batches and you won't be able to live without one.
I'll bring it to the MashOccur for you if you want to try it.