Transparent masks vs. transparent gradients

1

I just started to use Illustrator more then flash for my vector needs. but I found it hard to use transparent gradients because you have to use a mask. Why is that? whats the benefit of a mask over having a transparent color in a gradient like in flash? to tell you the truth aside from all the fancy effects that Illustrate provides I still think it’s a little easier to use flash (snapping, filling colors in areas on the fly, transparent color in gradients, bending with the cursor).