I don't like them for many reasons, but I don't really get the, "We must have a fence" thing either.
IMO (and I'm sure contrary to the opinion of many people on YT), small dogs should not be left outside alone. It's not safe in most areas of the US. And since somebody should be out there with them, I don't see the problem with a harness and tieout. So I don't really get the debate about it at all.