When I was visiting Jada (zoe4life) she used the cups on me when doing manual. Although I didnt hate them, I didnt find them fantastic either.
One thing I found with her doing them (not sure if this applies to everyone who uses them) is that no "vibration" is done by hand after the clapping. You would have to put them down to vibrate. Not a big deal I suppose, but it stuck in my head.
The CPT that we were taught at diagnosis was manual clapping by hand & then a vibration (shaking) of the area using hands to help shake off what was loosened up.
I do agree that becoming reliant on the cups or any other form of CPT isnt good.....HOPEFULLY you will always have use of your hands, but electric can go out for the vest, cups can get lost etc.
I do want to note tho....IF you dont know how to hold your hands properly then manual CPT can be painful. This is where the cups can help, but at the same time I think practicing on your thighs like we were taught would help with that.
If you practice on your thigh & dont hear the "horses" sound or if it hurts you need to adjust your hands!