It's unpopular because it's a terrible idea. Just because it's easy ssh'ing into the box, doesn't mean you should. Twenty years ago we didn't have the tools to do anything better. And while I miss some of the simplicity of those times I don't miss when someone ssh'ed into the server and fucked something up and left us in a lurch. If you really think this is the best approach today I really hope you aren't working on any critical systems.