When is it an asset? When is it a liability? Why?

i use my manual gain in both condition of high light and low light (when using it head mounted).  i like to balance the image with the surounding natural light.  the i just boost the gain to zero in on something. when using the pvs14 casually, like around the house or just using it hand held i run the gain maxed out.

i guess the only down side is that the knob can be broken easily from others have said and the pvs14 is heavier its cousin the 6015 and  the newer mini14 mono.

Thanks.  I just wondered if at times it was a pain to have to fiddle with it.  I am debating between a the PVS 14 and the mini14 and did not know if I nedded or even wanted the gain control. However, I can't seem to find  a PVS 14 anyway.