IMO it makes a mess because it remains tacky and seals well because of this. I've seen RTV peel off like a sticker many times, Which to me says it wasn't adhered extremely well.
To each his own. You and a million other guys prefer RTV, i like my gasket maker. Just like alot of guys like the edelbrock gasket slime, and i truthfully dont care for it much.
po-tato
po-tat-o
:)