They just seemed like crappy distortion or boost pedals that did neither job very well

It's that transparent overdrive boost/crunch you'd expect from the 808 type pedals, and less muddy than a TS9.I did a shootout with the Mini, my EHX East River, and a Joyo Vintage Drive (a clone of the Maxon OD808, or Ibanez TS808)

Just a little boost with the right EQ setting does wonders.

nice as a boost and nice as light distortion

I like the overall tone but was also looking for a dynamic boost