I wouldn't trade mine for anything. It produces far less surface abrasion than any mit or sponge and reasonably won't agitate stuck on mud, goo, or roadkill. It does work very well as an every day or every week washing tool. I put mine on a standard pole. A lot less stooping, bending, and getting my belly wet, especially in the cold weather.
I'm of the opinion that any washing tool will leave some swirl. One can only minimize it. IHMO, a good boar's hair brush does less damange than a mit.