I had many of the same worries when I was shopping a lift, saw a Greg Smith display at a trade show and bought a 4 post that came with air over hydraulic jack trays, drip pans, etc...
The key selling point to me was that the lift was moveable, so I could position it anywhere on its 4 large column pads without worrying about the concrete pad being insufficient. Can even move it with a car loaded. Much more user friendly to me space-wise, and has been trouble free. No access problems at all.
AtlasŪ Garage Pro 8000 EXT Portable Hobbyist 8,000 Lbs. Capacity 4 Post Lift (EXTRA TALL) | Greg Smith Equipment Sales, Inc.