For as often as I open the hood the prop rod is good, the only time I have the hood open for a long time is when I change the oil.
Most cars with prop rods, the hood can usually be opened wide out of the way when you are doing a larger job, like on most Miata's the hood can be pulled back so they are standing vertically.
That wide opening can make it very easy to work on the engine, I never tried it on the Buick, but I'm sure with the right length bungee cord it can be pulled back out of your way.
You would have to pop off the cylinders to open the hood all the way, if the hood hinge design will allow it.