It's not that the kicks are innefective, so much as the fact that they require so much more training, and so much better conditions, to be effective. I'm faster and more accurate with my hand blows (I like to use Leopard Fist and Tiger Claw, but I've been working on Snake Fist lately), and I can generate more force. I usually just throw in kicks either as distancing moves, or to thow an opponent off-balance. When the opportunity arises, I can intercept an opponent's punch with a pushing kick to the solar plexus.
Which comes down to the reason why I want to learn Hung Gar- Tae Kwon Do is very mobile and agile, but at the same time is very strict in movement and attack, so as to avoid taking damage, sometimes at the expense of damage-dealing ability. Hung Gar, on the other hand, uses a deep, sturdy horse stance to establish a foundation which is immovable, waiting for the enemy to make the first move. Once an opening presents itself, a strong, final blow is landed to a weak point. Crushing power is emphasized, and it's generally acceptable to open yourself up to damage so long as you know your strike is enough to end the fight.
I think Hung Gar is more conductive to my overall personality, preferences, and technique. The basic method of Hung Gar reminds me of a quote from Sun Tzu:
"Long ago, lords first made themselves invulnerable, then began to search for vulnerabilities among their enemies."
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