A
FEL is definatally a good tool for dirtwork, but it does have downfalls as do just about everything. There are many tools for dirtwork and grading and there is not a one tool that fits all needs.
FEL is good for major work and "roughing in" an area, but they are difficuit to finish with. It does not matter wether going forward and using the cutting edge or backdragging, if the ground isn't perfectally level, due to the long wheelbase of tractors, you'll find yourself cutting in on one side or the other where you don't want to. And then on the next pass, when your tires drop in where you gouged last time, will create another, and its never ending. At least this is my experience.
Perfectally flat or tilled soil might not have this problem, but rolling/uneaven ground is difficult to get a finished grade with a
FEL.
Box-blades are nice for moving a lot of material and filling in the low spots, to get a good level finish. But they are expensive.
A straight rear blade is very inexpensive, as already mentioned. And they have their place too. I find them very usefull on slopes and along ditches or any instance where I want to move all the dirt to one side or the other, and not pull it all to one end, as a boxblade will do, as they cannot be angled.
Not to mention how much better a straight blade is for moving snow.