Are there advantages to using control panels that are less widely known and used? I'm thinking of vDeck as an example.
Are there advantages to using control panels that are less widely known and used? I'm thinking of vDeck as an example.

Every control panel has their pros and cons. If you're running your own server, go ahead and install it. If you don't have your own server, you can sign up with one of the following web hosting providers:
http://vDeck.com/clients.html
Shane.
Basic Linux Hosting on classic platform; Parallels Plesk Panel 10.3.1